How and with what to insulate the ceiling in the apartment from the inside? How to insulate the ceiling in an apartment on the top floor Insulation of the ceiling on the top floor of an apartment building.

Insulation of an apartment from the inside most often becomes necessary in houses with panel walls, since they are of insufficient thickness, quickly cool down, the heating system cannot fully cope with its tasks, and the temperature in the premises drops. How to insulate a wall inside an apartment, and what methods and materials to use - this question arises before most homeowners in concrete high-rise buildings. External walls in such houses become cold especially quickly, and often, due to temperature changes, they begin to damp and become moldy.

Sometimes, when there is such an opportunity, the thermal insulation of the walls is carried out from the outside, since this more efficient way keeping warm. However, this option is very expensive due to the complexity of its implementation, and it is impossible to independently carry out such events, without using special equipment, if the apartment is located above the first or second floor. Therefore, a decision is made to insulate the walls from the inside, to the detriment of the total usable area. But, be that as it may, a warm apartment with a slightly smaller area is better than large cold rooms. Internal work may well be done by hand, without the involvement of specialists. The main thing is to find the right material and have the right tools.

If autonomous heating equipment is installed in the apartment, then wall insulation will help save energy resources, which are very expensive today.

Disadvantages of internal insulation

Compared to the external thermal insulation of walls, the internal insulation of an apartment has its own rather significant disadvantages:

  • The insulated wall does not accumulate or retain heat, and heat losses are from 8 to 15%.

With internal insulation, the "dew point" may be inside the insulation, which leads to its dampness
  • The "dew point" with internal thermal insulation is located between the insulation and the wall, sometimes - inside the insulation layer. This leads to the formation of condensation and the appearance of mold colonies. .
  • An incorrectly insulated wall from the inside will freeze all the time, and this inevitably causes irreversible destructive processes in the thickness of the material over time.

Correct insulation

So that condensation does not form under the thermal insulating layer due to temperature changes in winter, and, as a consequence, mold spots do not appear on the walls, all technological recommendations for insulating concrete walls from inside the apartment must be carefully followed.


An important element in the structure of the thermal insulation "pie" is a high-quality vapor barrier. It must protect the insulation from moisture penetration, which will allow the entire structure to effectively perform its functions for a long time.

What kind of work is required to achieve this goal?

  • It is necessary to purchase a high quality vapor barrier film and waterproof tape to seal the seams at the joint of its sheets.
  • For the insulation layer, you need to choose a material that has low vapor permeability. It is desirable that this indicator be lower than the vapor permeability of the wall material. In this case, moisture evaporation will occur towards the street, and not inside the apartment.
  • When gluing insulation, its surface is completely coated with glue using comb-spatula, and it is very tightly pressed against the surface of the wall, so that even small cavities do not remain between them.
  • In order to avoid the occurrence of excessively high relative humidity inside the premises, they must be equipped with additional ventilation of natural or forced type. For example, for this, valves are installed on the window frames through which air will enter the room.

  • Further, it is necessary to accurately calculate the required thickness of the insulation. It will depend on the average daily temperature in the region during the winter. The thickness of the insulating material should not be less than the parameters that were obtained during the calculations, otherwise the steam-thermal balance will be violated.
  • Before installing the insulation system, the walls must be treated with special primers. They will "cure" the wall, prevent mold colonies from forming on it, and also increase the adhesion when gluing thermal insulation.
  • Insulation installation can be started only after the wall is completely dry.
  • Formations of "cold bridges" must not be allowed, which can negate the entire insulation process. The risk of their occurrence is especially great at the joints of walls and ceilings.

What heaters and how are they used?


Cork is an excellent natural material for thermal insulation

Such a thermal insulator is made in the form of slabs or rolls from the bark of a special type of oak - cork. Therefore, it is an environmentally friendly safe insulation, which is very important for interior decoration.

Using high quality material, three problems can be solved at once - these are noise and sound insulation, as well as decorative wall decoration.

An important condition for the installation of a cork cover is the evenness of the wall, therefore, before proceeding with its gluing, it is necessary to carefully prepare the surface. This process is carried out as follows:

  • The old coating is completely removed from the wall.
  • Then the entire surface is processed, which will protect the wall from damage by fungus or mold.

  • The next step is to level the surface.
  • You can refine the walls with drywall, but in this case, the sheet should be completely smeared with waterproof glue or foam, so that there are no voids left under it. Drywall is firmly pressed against the wall and is additionally fixed with anchors or plastic "fungi".
  • Cork can be glued to a dry wall. To do this, use a special glue designed for such purposes.

The positive qualities of the material, in addition to its environmental friendliness, low thermal conductivity and good noise absorption, include:

  • Ease of installation of cork wall covering while observing accuracy in work.
  • Aesthetically attractive respectable look.
  • The surface of the material is always warm and pleasant to the touch.
  • A variety of release forms, textured patterns and shades.

Cork is not only an excellent thermal insulator. She will give the room a special decorative effect.
  • Cork insulation does not have a large thickness, therefore it does not make the area of ​​the room smaller - with this quality it compares favorably with other thermal insulation materials.

Penofol

Penofol, in essence, is a roll of foamed polyethylene with a thickness of 2 to 10 mm, on one side of which it is applied, which contributes to the reflection of heat into the interior of the room.


Penofol - foamed polyethylene foam
  • Before its installation, the surface is prepared in the same way as for cork.
  • Penofol can be fixed on smooth walls with construction double-sided tape. Under any circumstances, the material is placed with the foil side in the room. This creates a kind of thermos for efficient heat retention.
  • Stripes penofol stacked end-to-end. They are glued together with special tape, which also has a foil-coated reflective surface, since the entire coating must be airtight.

  • On top of the penofol fixed to the wall, a crate made of strips, bars or galvanized metal profiles is installed. This frame has a base for mounting lining or wall cladding with plasterboard sheets. The plasterboard surface can subsequently be covered with plaster, pasted over with wallpaper, or thoroughly putty and sanded, and then painted.
  • It is very important when installing drywall or lining on the top and bottom of the structure to leave a gap that will serve as a ventilation hole for air circulation so that moisture does not accumulate.

Despite its small thickness, penofol is an excellent heat and sound insulator. It is used as a separate insulation, but it is quite possible to use it in combination with other materials. It attracts with its simplicity and speed of installation on walls, floors or ceilings, as well as a long service life.

Video: insulation of internal walls with foil material

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

When choosing a material for insulating a dwelling from the inside, you must first inspect all wall surfaces on which the thermal insulation will be installed. If the wall is dry and there are no mold spots on it, then you can start preparing the surface and purchase insulation material. Carrying out such work on an unprepared basis is strictly prohibited. Not only that, such insulation will not give the desired effect - you can thoroughly spoil the apartment atmosphere, make it damp, unhealthy, since the spores of many types of mold or fungus are extremely dangerous to human health, especially for those suffering from chronic respiratory diseases or a predisposition to allergic reactions ...

In general, any of the methods of the apartment presented in the publication from the inside will not require any complex additional equipment, and this technological process can be carried out independently.

Ceiling insulation is a mandatory stage in the construction of a private house with an unheated attic. But the ceiling surface of the apartment located on the top floor also needs thermal insulation. Moreover, ceiling insulation can be done in two ways. The choice of this or that option depends on the height of the room, the structure of the house and the insulation used. Before properly insulating the ceiling in an apartment, you need to study the characteristics, pros and cons of all suitable heat insulators.

When choosing a reliable insulation, pay attention to the following characteristics:

  1. Consider the weight of the material. It is important that the insulation does not overload the floors.
  2. Use only harmless, environmentally friendly materials that do not contain toxic substances and do not emit them as vapors.
  3. The heat insulator must be chemically and biologically resistant. It should not be damaged by insects and microorganisms. Biological stability is important when operating in high humidity conditions.
  4. For thermal insulation of the ceiling in the bathroom and in the kitchen, materials with low water absorption are used.
  5. Fire resistance is an equally important requirement. Insulation should not drip, sustain combustion and smoke in case of fire.
  6. If you do all the work with your own hands, consider the ease of processing and installation of thermal insulation.
  7. Give preference to insulators with good vapor permeability. They do not interfere with the air exchange of the floor structures. Thanks to this, condensation will not collect on the ceiling surface, which spoils the finish and building structures.

Warming methods

Since the insulation of the ceiling in the apartment is carried out only on the top floor of high-rise buildings, internal or external installation of a heat insulator can be used. Insulation of a concrete ceiling from the outside copes with the tasks of keeping heat much more efficiently, because this way concrete structures are better protected from freezing.


Insulation of a concrete ceiling from the inside has significant disadvantages:

  • after fixing the insulation on the ceiling surface, the height of the room is significantly reduced;
  • when fixing the insulation from the inside, the concrete floor freezes over a lot, which leads to significant heat loss in the room.

The external installation of thermal insulation, although it has many advantages, is not suitable for all apartments, but only for those above which the technical floor is located. Otherwise, you will have to use insulation from the inside.

Material selection

According to their physical state, all heat-insulating materials are subdivided into fibrous, solid, free-flowing and sprayed materials. The latter are practically not used for thermal insulation of apartments, because they require the use of special equipment for spraying, work skills and are expensive.

For internal thermal insulation of the ceiling surface in the apartment, polystyrene and extruded polystyrene foam, mineral wool and its stone variety are used. During installation, frameless or frame technology is used. The choice of mounting method depends on the density of the material. Dense insulators are fixed without using a frame, and soft materials are laid between the battens of the battens.

Houses with an attic or a technical floor are suitable for using external insulation. It is important that the communications passing along the technical floor do not interfere with the installation of thermal insulation. Expanded clay is more often used for external insulation. The material is poured between wooden blocks laid along the floor. Be sure to make a steam and waterproofing layer, because a wet insulation loses half of its thermal insulation qualities.

Important! So that when walking around the technical floor, the heat insulator is not damaged, it is covered with a boardwalk or a cement screed is made.

Consider the most popular types of thermal insulation materials used to insulate an apartment.

Mineral wool

Two types of mineral wool are suitable for thermal insulation of an apartment:

  1. Glass wool is inexpensive, easy to install and durable. However, the material emits small sharp particles that penetrate the respiratory tract of a person, therefore it is used for outdoor styling.
  2. Basalt wool differs in environmental friendliness, resistance to mechanical damage, strength and durability. This non-combustible material with low water absorption and good vapor permeability is allowed to be installed from inside the room. When laying, frameless technology can be used. The material is allowed to be used in rooms with increased requirements in terms of fire safety.

Important! The thermal conductivity coefficient of mineral wool is 0.041, the vapor permeability is 0.48, and the density ranges from 20 to 220 kg / m³.

Among the positive qualities of mineral wool are the following:

  • environmental friendliness;
  • low thermal conductivity;
  • basalt wool is waterproof;
  • good steam permeability;
  • durability;
  • fire resistance;
  • low thermal conductivity;
  • resistance to deformation and chemicals.

Only glass wool has disadvantages. The material is very dusty during transportation and installation. When wet, it loses some of its thermal insulation qualities.

Expanded polystyrene

Insulation of the ceiling in an apartment by Penoplex is used most often. This type of extruded polystyrene foam is produced by Technonikol.


In general, the following types of polystyrene are suitable for thermal insulation of a concrete floor:

  1. Polyfoam made using press-free technology is the cheapest material. The water absorption of this variety is the highest, and the thermal insulation characteristics are slightly lower than that of the second variety.
  2. Press foam has closed pores in its structure, therefore it has low thermal conductivity. It is quite strong and dense.
  3. Extruded polystyrene foam consists of small closed pores. Its thermal insulation characteristics are the highest.

Thermal insulation of the ceiling with extruded polystyrene foam has many advantages:

  • water resistance of the surface;
  • high efficiency;
  • acceptable price;
  • simplicity and speed of installation;
  • resistance to deformation;
  • light weight;
  • service life reaches 30 years;
  • resistance to rot and mold;
  • absorbs impact noise well.

All polystyrene foam is highly flammable, but the extruded variety is considered a self-extinguishing material. For gluing polystyrene boards to the ceiling, it is allowed to use only adhesive mixtures that do not contain solvents that are aggressive to foam plastic. Also, the disadvantages of polystyrene are considered their low vapor permeability and poor protection from sound waves propagating through the air.

Important! The water absorption of the foam is 0.4-4%. Vapor permeability coefficient 0.019-0.015. Strength 0.4-1 kg / cm³. Extruded polystyrene foam has the best performance, so it is used more often.

Expanded clay

Expanded clay granules are obtained in the process of firing shale clay. When heated, the surface of the granules is sintered, pores appear inside, which are responsible for the high thermal insulation characteristics of the material. For external insulation of concrete floors, expanded clay of small and medium fractions is used with a granule size within 1-2 cm.


Advantages of thermal insulation of ceilings with expanded clay:

  1. Expanded clay granules are non-combustible. They do not smoke and do not emit toxic substances in case of fire. The material does not support combustion and does not drip when heated, therefore it is classified as fireproof heaters.
  2. This lightweight insulation does not load the floor slabs.
  3. The granules have biological and chemical resistance. They are not afraid of rodents, insects, rot and mold.
  4. This durable material has an impressive service life (up to 50-60 years).
  5. Installation can be done with your own hands, because this does not require special skills and devices.
  6. Insulation is inexpensive, which is also its advantage.

The disadvantage is the dusting of the material during stacking and transportation. In addition, the granules are hygroscopic, therefore, after getting wet, they lose 50% of their thermal insulation qualities. That is why, when installing expanded clay insulation, special attention is paid to the device of steam and waterproofing.

Insulation cost

If you plan to order ceiling insulation, the price for the work depends on the method of installation of the material and the heat insulator used. In the process of warming the ceiling surface, various works are carried out.

The total cost of installing insulation consists of the following indicators:

  • Ceiling surface preparation (removal of old finishes, impregnation with antiseptic, primer) costs about $ 1 / m².
  • For the installation of the supporting lathing on the base ceiling, you will have to pay $ 2.8 per square.
  • Laying a vapor barrier membrane - $ 1.5-2 / m².
  • Installation of mineral wool from the side of the dwelling - $ 6.7-7.5 per square.
  • Thermal insulation with mineral wool from the outside of the floor - 4.8-5 $ / m².
  • Insulation of the ceiling using frameless technology (fixing the plates to the dowel-nails) - $ 7-8 per square meter.

After completing the internal insulation of the ceiling, the surface of the insulating material is closed with a finishing finish. Plasterboard is usually mounted, but wood and plastic panels, ceiling plates are also suitable for these purposes. If the finishing work will be performed by professionals, then their wages should also be added to the cost of insulation.

Insulation of the ceiling surface is important not only for private houses, but also for apartments. This is especially true for premises located on the last floors. As the warm air rises upward, the heat loss through the ceiling and ceiling reaches 20 percent. Insulation of the ceiling allows you to solve the problem of low temperatures in the apartment in winter and heat in summer. In addition, the used heat-insulating materials absorb sound waves, therefore, increase the comfort of living in an apartment and protect against noise coming from above.

Principles of ceiling insulation in an apartment

Before properly insulating the ceiling, you need to decide on the material.


When choosing a heat insulator, pay attention to the following requirements:

  1. The material should be lightweight so as not to unnecessarily load the floor.
  2. Insulators must be environmentally friendly and harmless, that is, they must not emit toxic substances into the air.
  3. It is good if the product is not susceptible to mold and other microorganisms. This is especially important for apartments under frequently leaking roofs and for rooms with high humidity.
  4. The heat insulator must be resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
  5. For laying in damp places, it is better to choose moisture-resistant insulation.
  6. Fire resistance is also important. The insulator should not emit corrosive smoke and toxic compounds during a fire.
  7. Consider the ease of processing and installation if you plan to carry out the work yourself.
  8. Choose insulators that do not interfere with the natural air exchange of the ceiling surface and floor. This will protect structures from the accumulation of condensate and subsequent destruction, as well as a decrease in technical characteristics.

All used thermal insulation materials are divided according to their physical state into solid, sprayed and fibrous.

Basic ways

Ceiling insulation in an apartment can be carried out from inside the room and outside. The latter option is only suitable for housing located on the upper floors.


The first method has two disadvantages:

  • after installing the insulation on the ceiling, the height of the room will decrease;
  • internal insulation is not as effective as external installation of a heat insulator (this is due to the collection of condensate on the concrete floor and its freezing).

However, if it is not possible to lay the insulation outside the concrete floor, then the only way out remains - to perform internal insulation.

Insulation from the inside of the room

Insulation of a concrete ceiling from the inside is carried out using expanded polystyrene (foam and its extruded variety), basalt wool and mineral wool. Frame or frameless insulation technology is used depending on the density of the material. Basalt wool and expanded polystyrene are mounted using the frameless method, and the assembly of the lathing is required in the case of using mineral wool.

Expanded polystyrene

The following types of expanded polystyrene are suitable for carrying out thermal insulation measures:

  1. Non-pressed foam- the cheapest type of expanded polystyrene. Its structure contains granules and pores of different sizes. This material has high water absorption and different density. Its thermal insulation characteristics are not as high as in subsequent varieties.
  2. Extruded polystyrene foam has closed pores, therefore better protects against heat loss. The material is durable and dense.
  3. Extruded polystyrene variety also has small closed pores in its structure. This is the product with the lowest thermal conductivity.


Insulation of the ceiling in an apartment with penoplex, that is, extruded polystyrene foam, gives the following advantages:

  • high efficiency of thermal insulation;
  • ease and speed of installation;
  • resistance to deformation;
  • acceptable price;
  • waterproofness;
  • due to the low weight, the floors are not overloaded;
  • durability (will last up to 30 years);
  • the surface does not attack mold and rot;
  • absorption of impact noise.

The disadvantages of expanded polystyrene are considered their easy flammability, although extruded products are self-extinguishing. In addition, polystyrene does not differ in chemical resistance, therefore, when choosing an adhesive for gluing to the ceiling, you cannot buy formulations with solvents that are aggressive for foam plastic. Foamed polystyrene does not protect against airborne noise and has low air permeability.

Specifications:

  • water absorption - from 0.4% to 4% (the highest in ordinary foam);
  • vapor permeability - from 0.019 to 0.015 (the best indicator for extruded polystyrene foam);
  • strength - from 0.4 to 1 kg / cm³.

Mineral wool

There are several varieties of mineral wool. Only two types are suitable for insulating apartments:

  1. Glass wool is considered a budget option for insulation. Since the material releases fine fiberglass into the air, it is not installed indoors. But glass wool is suitable for external insulation of floors.
  2. Stone wool has a higher density than the first variety and is mechanically resistant. For their manufacture, rocks are used, for example, basalt. Basalt wool, due to its high strength and density, can be mounted using frameless technology.

Important! Since stone wool is fire resistant, it is allowed to use it in places with a high fire hazard.

The minimum thermal conductivity of mineral wool is 0.041, the density of the material is in the range of 20-220 kg / m³. The vapor permeability of the insulator is 0.48.

Benefits of mineral wool:

  • water resistance (this applies only to basalt wool);
  • low thermal conductivity;
  • the material does not interfere with air circulation;
  • the product is resistant to chemicals;
  • high rates of thermal insulation;
  • fire resistance;
  • durability;
  • harmlessness and environmental friendliness.

Only non-stone mineral wool has disadvantages. So, the disadvantage of glass wool is its strong dusting. In addition, when these heaters get wet, their thermal insulation properties decrease.

External installation of thermal insulation

External insulation of an apartment is carried out if there is a technical floor or an attic room above. It is important that the communications laid in the technical floor do not interfere with the implementation of this type of insulation. Otherwise, you will have to abandon outdoor styling.

Insulation of a concrete ceiling from the outside is carried out more often using expanded clay, but the materials listed above are also suitable. Usually they fit between the rows of logs, the height of which is equal to the thickness of the insulation. Steam and waterproofing must be used. From above, the heat insulator is covered with a boardwalk so that when walking on the technical floor or attic, the heat insulating layer is not damaged.

Expanded clay

It is a product of shale clay processing. The granules are subjected to thermal action, after which their surface is sintered, and the material becomes porous from the inside, which gives the product high thermal insulation characteristics. Usually, expanded clay of different fractions is used to insulate a concrete floor from the outside. The optimum granule size is 10-20 mm.


Advantages of expanded clay insulation:

  1. The material is non-flammable and does not support combustion. Granules do not emit harmful substances in a fire, do not melt or drip. Therefore, we can say that expanded clay has absolute fire safety.
  2. Expanded clay is very light, therefore, after laying on the floor, unnecessarily high loads do not turn out to be.
  3. The product is resistant to mold and other microorganisms. It is not spoiled by insects and rodents. In combination with hardness and strength, this ensures long-term operation of the heat insulator.
  4. The material is easily laid on the floor without the use of special devices, which allows you to carry out the installation yourself.
  5. Reasonable price is one of the advantages of insulation.

Among the disadvantages of expanded clay, it is worth mentioning dusting, which is observed during transportation and laying. Also, the disadvantage is the hygroscopicity of the granules. Because of this, after getting wet, they lose some of their thermal insulation qualities. Therefore, after laying expanded clay, a waterproofing layer is necessarily spread, which makes it possible to level this lack of material.

Insulation cost

Prices for ceiling insulation work differ and depend on the materials used and the installation method. Since the installation of insulating material involves various preparatory and basic work,

The ceiling of the apartments located on the last floors is one of the zones of the greatest heat loss in the room. It is through it that from 30% to 50% of all heat is eroded.

Therefore, the question of how to insulate the ceiling in an apartment, and what material to choose for this, becomes especially relevant for the owners of such housing.

Choosing a ceiling insulation material

Types of heaters

There are many answers to the question of how you can insulate the ceiling. At the moment, there are a huge number of all kinds of heaters and methods of applying them. So, you can choose penoizol, which is also called liquid foam.

This material is an excellent thermal insulator, and the method of its application does not allow the formation of voids or thin spots.

Alternatively, you can opt for. This material is made from wood waste or waste paper. In fact, it is cotton wool, consisting of fine cellulose fibers. Such material perfectly fills voids and is an excellent heat insulator.

In addition, many other materials are now presented on the market, which are quite difficult to describe due to the constant appearance of new ones. But almost all of these heaters have one big remark. Due to their small use, the price for them is quite high, and sometimes special equipment is required for their installation.

Mineral wool

The most common options for insulating the ceiling in an apartment are mineral wool and expanded polystyrene. Each of these materials has its own adherents and enemies. Let's try to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, and you can choose the most attractive one for you.

Let's start with mineral wool, its properties are almost identical to glass wool, so we consider their advantages and disadvantages together.

So, the benefits include the following:

  1. Fairly affordable price for this insulation.
  2. Good thermal insulation properties of the material. So the coefficient of thermal conductivity is only 0.041 W / (m 0C).
  3. Cotton wool is quite easy to install, especially in the presence of corners, which allows you to do the work yourself.
  4. Has excellent sound insulation.

The disadvantages include:

  1. Poor moisture resistance... Upon ingress of moisture, it loses up to 50% of its thermal insulation properties.
  2. Hygroscopicity... It can absorb and accumulate moisture, which complicates the drying process.
  3. Over time, this material cakes and crumbles..

Please note that the instructions of most manufacturers indicate a service life of mineral wool of about 50 years, but this is in ideal conditions for laying it.
In real conditions, when moisture and other external influences are possible, the service life ranges from 5 to 30 years.

Expanded polystyrene

One of the options for insulating the ceiling is the use of expanded polystyrene. This material is also called polystyrene foam.

Its advantages include:

  1. Good insulating properties... The thermal conductivity coefficient is even slightly higher than that of mineral wool and amounts to 0.039 W / (m 0C).
  2. Styrofoam is easy to install on level areas.
  3. In contrast, foam is less hygroscopic.
  4. Over time, this material does not deteriorate its properties, and it does not lose its shape.

The disadvantages include:

  1. Poor vapor permeability. Therefore, before insulating the ceiling, think about ventilation, otherwise it can be quite stuffy.
  2. Poorly tolerates ultraviolet radiation, which requires protection from direct sunlight.
  3. Polyfoam, depending on the density, can be quite fragile during installation.
  4. This material is quite "loud", that is, when using it, you can hear your uninvited neighbors living in the foam.
  5. And last but not least, the material is flammable. Of course, in construction, a material is used that decays in the absence of contact with fire, but, nevertheless, under the influence of fire, it burns out almost instantly.

Ceiling insulation methods

There are two ways to insulate the ceiling of an apartment. The first way is to install the heat-insulating material in the attic, and the second is to install it on the ceiling of the apartment. But what is the best way to insulate a concrete ceiling?

When insulating any part of the apartment, the insulating material should be placed outside the dwelling. This method is the most effective, convenient, durable and does not take up living space.

Insulation of the ceiling in the attic

If you have the option of styling, then you need to follow these steps:

  1. First of all, you need to clean the surface, plaster if necessary and apply a coat of primer to it.
  2. If we insulate the ceiling with our own hands, we advise you to lay a layer of waterproofing. It should be laid with an overlap of 5 - 10 cm.
  3. Now we start installing the lathing. If the roof is made of wood, then a wooden bar can be used. It is better to lay a metal profile on a concrete base.
  4. Now you can start laying the insulation. If rock wool rolls are used, they are simply rolled out and trimmed around the edges.
    If you are using polystyrene or mineral wool slabs, then it is cut to fit the sheathing contour.
  5. If foam was used, then it is better to foam the edges between the crate and the foam with construction foam.
  6. After it dries, it is advisable to apply another layer of waterproofing, since our roofs are far from always tight.
  7. The last step is to install the loft flooring. Usually a board is used for this, which is attached to the crate.

Insulation of the ceiling inside the apartment

Since it is not always possible to properly insulate the ceiling from the attic for various reasons - they use insulation inside the apartment. This method, in addition to lowering the level of ceilings, has a number of other disadvantages.

First of all, this can lead to an increased formation of moisture between the insulation and the ceiling slab. The result may be the formation of a fungus with all the ensuing negative consequences.

But sometimes you can't do without such insulation.

If you have exactly this case, then the sequence of your actions should be as follows:

  1. Prepare the surface and apply a layer of primer.
  2. We fix a layer of waterproofing, which will prevent the insulation from moisturizing.
  3. Now we mount the crate. If you plan to hem with PVC panels, then we make a crate with a step of 60 cm. If we sew up with plasterboard, we make a step of 40 cm.
  4. Now we start laying the insulation. In some cases, adhesive mixtures are used, but you can do without them.

  1. At the last stage, we sew the ceiling with the desired material.

I hope our article will tell you how to insulate the ceiling with your own hands, and our tips will help you do it quickly and efficiently.

Output

Whichever method and material of ceiling insulation you choose, insulation will help you significantly save on utility bills. And our video in this article will help you make insulation with your own hands.

Ceiling insulation cannot be called a complex and time-consuming process. Thanks to such work, it is possible to significantly reduce heat loss through the ceiling. To make the room warmer, you can use different types of insulation, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Today we will talk about how to insulate the ceiling, as well as get acquainted with the recommendations of specialists.

Peculiarities

Perceptible heat loss, as well as cold air emanating from the ceiling, are the result of improperly installed or low-quality thermal insulation. Heat loss through such an overlap can reach up to 20%, since warm air rises up and obstacles are needed that will not allow it to leave the room.

It is recommended to carry out insulation of the ceiling at the stage of building a house.... However, there are times when the owners, for some reason, do not perform such work during the specified period. In addition, it is not uncommon for old thermal insulation to deteriorate in an already built dwelling. And in such conditions, it will be possible to lay the insulation, but the work will be more difficult. At the moment, there are several methods for thermal insulation of the ceiling.

Many consumers are wondering why it is necessary to insulate the ceiling and whether such work can be neglected. To find out the answer to these questions, you should familiarize yourself with the main functions that the insulation performs in this case:

  • High-quality insulation has excellent sound insulation properties. Thanks to such elements, silence will always remain in an apartment or a private house, even if it is raining and windy outside the window.
  • Thanks to the installed insulating layer, the room will be warm in winter, since the heated air, going up, will collide with an obstacle and again go down.
  • Ceiling insulation will also be useful in hot seasons. It will prevent hot air from entering the room, so it will remain comfortable and cool.

It is also worth identifying situations in which ceiling insulation is necessary:

  • Ceiling insulation should be done if you have just started building a house. At this point, the ceiling consists of ordinary wooden beams. Then you can put insulation between them and "sew up" it.
  • You can also start these works if the owners have already begun to settle in the house and the ceiling has been ready for a long time. This is necessary so that the living rooms are not cold in autumn and winter.
  • Thermal insulation of the ceiling is simply necessary if no one lives on the upper floor of the house. As a rule, it is always cooler in such rooms. In such situations, heated areas lose their heat in favor of unheated ones.

Do not think that ceiling insulation can only be done when arranging a private house. Such work is quite permissible to carry out in apartment buildings.

In such dwellings, all actions can be performed only inside, and residents are not allowed to repair attics and roofs on their own.

Currently, various materials are used to insulate ceiling ceilings. Each of them has its own performance characteristics, based on which you should choose the appropriate option for certain conditions.

Insulation requirements

Ceiling insulation must meet a number of requirements:

  • It must be environmentally friendly and safe. Otherwise, you risk harming the health of your household.
  • The insulation must be fireproof.
  • Due to the insulating layer, heat loss should be reduced, and not the circulation of steam that occurs in the house / apartment.
  • The insulation should not get moisture.

Types of insulation: pros and cons

There are several types of insulation materials. Let's get to know them better and consider what the pros and cons are typical for them.

Mineral wool

There are several types of mineral wool:

  • Stone... This mineral wool is produced from molten igneous rocks.
  • Slag... This insulating material is made from a blast-furnace slag melt.
  • Glass... This mineral wool is created from a glass melt.

The stone wool contains ingredients such as gabbro or diabase, as well as blast furnace slag and charge. Of the mineral ingredients in the composition of the basalt insulation there are clay, dolomite, limestone. These components are necessary to make the material more fluid. Formaldehydes in small amounts (2-10%) act as a binder in this composition.

The slag wool is characterized by a fibrous structure. This insulation is produced from waste of the metallurgical industry when iron is smelted in blast furnaces. Slag fibers are characterized by small thickness and length.

In the process of creating glass wool, elements such as sand, dolomite, soda, lime, borax and broken glass are used.

Mineral wool can have different markings:

  • P-75... This type of cotton wool has a density of 75 kg / cu. m. This material is used to isolate horizontal non-external planes. It can be an attic or a roof. In addition, P-75 mineral wool is used to insulate heating network pipelines, as well as oil and gas pipelines.
  • P-125... The mineral wool under this marking has a density of 125 kg / cu. m. It is used to insulate non-external bases in any position. Material marked P-125 is also used for floor and ceiling insulation.
  • PZh-175... This type of wool is used to process floors made of reinforced concrete or profiled sheet.
  • PPZh-200... Cotton wool ППЖ-200 is used in the same way as ПЖ-175, but it is more fire-resistant.

Minvata has many positive qualities:

  • It is distinguished by low thermal conductivity. Because of this, mineral wool is an effective insulation.
  • This material is recognized as fireproof.
  • She is not afraid of temperature changes. In conditions of overheating and hypothermia, mineral wool does not deform and does not lose its shape.
  • Mineral wool is characterized by chemical and biological resistance.
  • Such insulation is distinguished by high vapor permeability, therefore it is "breathable".
  • The installation of mineral wool is quite simple and quick. It can be easily handled by a home craftsman who does not have rich experience in such work.

Despite its popularity, mineral wool also has some disadvantages:

  • This material needs to be treated with special water-repellent agents to reduce water absorption. By absorbing moisture, mineral wool loses its insulating properties.
  • Such insulation cannot be called lightweight. Because of this, the cost of shipping it increases significantly.

Ecowool

As a rule, ecowool is impregnated with special compounds, such as fire retardants and antiseptics. These components are necessary so that insects and rodents are not afraid of the insulation.

Let's get acquainted with the advantages typical for ecowool:

  • It is environmentally friendly and safe for health.
  • Ecowool is a "breathable" material that allows air to pass through perfectly. In a room insulated with such material, it is comfortable even in hot summer.
  • Ecowool does not rot or mold. Of course, such insulation will not rot if it is not oversaturated with moisture. Otherwise, the ecowool can be seriously damaged.
  • Such insulation is durable. Even after many years, it does not lose its useful qualities.
  • Ecowool can be added or compacted.
  • It is not flammable and is easily extinguished in the event of fire.
  • Such insulation is easy to work with, especially when it comes to insulation of the horizontal plane.
  • Many people choose ecowool insulation, as it is homogeneous - it has no seams and joints.

The main disadvantage of this insulation is that the dry backfill cakes over time and is subject to subsidence. Because of this, it must be laid on the substrates in a thick layer.

Styrofoam

This type of thermal insulation material is used everywhere. It is inexpensive and easy to install. Its structure is a special foamed mass, in which the main volume is gas. Because of this feature, the density of the foam is quite low.

For insulation of the ceiling you can use foam boards of different densities... However, it should be borne in mind that not very dense materials require additional protective measures, since they cannot boast of sufficient strength characteristics. As a rule, loose materials are installed in a frame method.

Polyfoam is not a perfect insulation, it has its drawbacks, which you should be aware of if you decide to turn to such material:

  • Such insulation has limited mechanical strength. Once laid, it needs additional protection against external damage.
  • Styrofoam is not a breathable raw material. It practically does not allow air to pass through itself.
  • This material quickly deteriorates under the influence of nitro paints and other paints and varnishes with such a base.

Penoplex

Ceiling insulation with penoplex has its pros and cons. To begin with, you should familiarize yourself with its strengths:

  • Penoplex has a low vapor permeability. Due to this quality, this material does not absorb moisture.
  • Penoplex is also distinguished by low thermal conductivity.
  • It easily withstands significant loads, which indicates its compressive strength.
  • Penoplex boasts a long service life (up to 40 years).
  • Installation of such insulation is simple and affordable.
  • Penoplex is relatively inexpensive.

The disadvantages of penoplex include:

Penofol

Another popular foil-covered insulation. It is typically used indoors and reflects heat.

Let's get acquainted with the advantages of penofol:

  • It has a small thickness, but at the same time provides high-quality thermal insulation of the living space.
  • Easy to install. For such work, no special and expensive tools are required.
  • Penofol does not crumble or break.
  • It is an environmentally friendly and safe material.
  • Waterproof.
  • Fireproof.
  • Possesses excellent noise and waterproofing properties.
  • Has a democratic cost.

The main disadvantage of penofol is its soft structure. You can easily press on it, after which it will surely bend. For this reason, finishing this layer with plaster or wallpaper will not be possible.

Perlite

Perlite or perlite sand is a popular material that has the best properties of all effective insulation materials. It is very persistent, inert and lightweight. Perlite raw materials differ in that they contain from 2% to 5% of bound water. This material is inert due to its chemical nature of origin.

The main properties of pearlite are:

  • high thermal conductivity;
  • sound absorption;
  • water absorption.

And now it is worth considering in more detail what are the advantages of perlite sand:

Sawdust

Sawdust is the cheapest and most affordable insulation material. They are used for both residential and outbuildings.

Sawdust is a waste that remains during wood processing. They are common shavings or fine dust. Previously, such materials were widely used for insulating homes, but with the development of high technologies, they faded into the background and began to be considered obsolete.

But do not think that sawdust is no longer used to insulate buildings, they are still used for this purpose. This is due to the efficiency of the sawdust as well as their incomparable durability.

As for the disadvantages of sawdust, they include:

  • highly flammable;
  • Insects or rodents can start in the sawdust.

In addition to the sawdust themselves, other materials that are produced on their basis can be used to insulate a home:

  • arbolite;
  • sawdust concrete;
  • sawdust granules;
  • blocks.

Expanded clay

You can insulate your home not only with cheap sawdust, but also with expanded clay. This material is enviable in popularity in our country, as it is inexpensive and has excellent performance characteristics.

Expanded clay consists of the smallest granules with a small mass. There are pores in the granules, which make these elements as light as possible.

Let's get acquainted with the positive qualities of this insulation material:

  • Expanded clay is inexpensive and is an affordable material - you don't have to look for it for a long time in different retail outlets.
  • A characteristic feature of expanded clay is its high thermal conductivity.
  • This material is lightweight, so it is very easy to work with it, it does not give significant loads to the base.
  • The insulating layer, consisting of expanded clay, can serve without problems for a long time (up to 50 years).
  • Expanded clay is an environmentally friendly material that does not emit hazardous substances.

This material also has its own disadvantages:

  • Using expanded clay, it is very difficult to achieve complete soundproofing of the room. To do this, you will have to form a half-meter thermal insulation layer.
  • Such insulation will require additional investments from the owners to protect against moisture.

Due to such a disadvantage, it is categorically not recommended to use expanded clay for insulating old and damp buildings.

Clay

You can insulate the ceiling with clay. Such material is inexpensive and environmentally friendly. It perfectly protects spaces from heat leakage. In addition, with such a heater, the room will remain cool if the weather is hot outside.

Clay is well diluted with water, and after drying it becomes very hard and perfectly retains heat. Most often, this method of thermal insulation is used when processing premises with a large area.

Let's figure out what advantages this eco-friendly insulation has:

  • It is inexpensive, and therefore has no competitors among analogues.
  • It is a fireproof material - does not burn, does not support combustion.
  • Insects or mice do not live in such insulation.
  • The solution for ceiling insulation is diluted from fairly lightweight fillers, which significantly reduces the load on the floors.
  • The clay does not contain harmful impurities.
  • This material is easy to work with. You don't have to hire professionals to do this.
  • The dried mixture can be used again. To do this, you just need to wet it. Thanks to this feature, a large amount of waste can be avoided after all work is completed.
  • After adding water, the clay becomes very malleable and easily penetrates into any voids present in the substrate.
  • After complete evaporation of moisture, the clay becomes hard. For this reason, there is no need to lay out walk-on decks on the attic floor.

However, at present, clay has been replaced by more modern thermal insulation materials.

There are several good reasons for this:

  • Clay insulation is not considered the most effective. As a rule, this material is used only as an addition to the main insulation.
  • In order to competently prepare a clay solution, you need to very carefully maintain all the required proportions. Otherwise, the heat-insulating layer may simply collapse or will not perform its main functions.
  • Ready-made clay mixtures are heavy, so they should only be laid on stable floors that can withstand significant loads.

Installation methods

Installation of insulation can be done independently. This work is done in two ways. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

From inside the room

Experts do not recommend insulating the ceiling in the inner part of the dwelling. With such work, you will not only reduce its height, it can also lead to the penetration of the insulation material itself and its vapors into the room. In addition, in such cases, fungus and mold may appear on the thermal insulation material.

If you have no choice, then there are some limitations to consider:

  • do not use mineral wool to insulate the ceiling indoors;
  • leave a small gap between the insulation and the ceiling finish.

To insulate the ceiling in the interior of the room, penoplex or penofol is perfect.

According to experts, it is quite easy to work with penoplex. First, you need to nail the crate, on which the plasterboard will then be attached. Pay attention to the height of the battens. It should be 2-3 centimeters more than the thickness of the insulation.

There should be a step between the slats equal to the width of the insulation (about 1-2 mm)... After that, between the crate, you need to lay the insulating coating. It should go into the right places with light effort. To keep the insulation well on the ceiling, it should be attached using dowels.

At the end of the work, sheets of drywall are attached to the crate. Thus, a kind of suspended ceiling is obtained. If you do not want to install ordinary drywall, then you can turn to the installation of a tension structure.

To install penofol, you also need to prepare the frame. Next, you will need to put insulation on it (with the foil side inside the room). Insulating material can be nailed to the frame structure. On both sides, you should leave gaps for ventilation, so you will need to install a second crate on top - sheets of drywall will be attached to it. In this case, you can also refer to the stretch ceiling.

Outside

Insulation of the ceiling from the outside of the room involves laying the insulation not from below, but from above the ceiling (or into voids, if any). In this case, the laying technology largely depends on the base material.

For example, for wooden floors, it is better to use light bulk options, and for concrete slabs, more impressive heaters with a large weight are suitable.

Let's take a closer look at how to properly lay the insulation outside using the example of mineral wool.

For wooden floors

For concrete

In this case, the base must be thoroughly processed and leveled, removing all bevels and potholes.

  • Then you need to fix the vapor barrier film.
  • Mineral wool will be sutured on it.
  • Further, the fastening of the finishing material (cardboard, plywood, wood) takes place.

The choice of insulation for a cold roof should be based on several criteria:

  • Room type... Different heaters are suitable for different conditions. For example, for a loggia and a balcony, mineral wool, penoplex, isolon or polystyrene are more suitable, and for the attic or attic - also basalt insulation or polyurethane foam. For spaces with a high level of humidity, it is worth choosing moisture-resistant insulation, otherwise they will quickly become unusable.
  • Base material... For wooden floors, you should buy lighter insulation. For a concrete base, materials that give high loads can be purchased.
  • Environmental friendliness... Experts recommend purchasing only environmentally friendly and safe types of insulation.
  • Fire safety... Choose non-flammable insulation that does not sustain combustion.
  • Manufacturer... Contact only well-known manufacturers who produce quality and durable products.

If you decide to install a ceiling insulation in the house with your own hands, then you should heed the advice of experts:

  • Do not neglect the installation of waterproofing when laying insulating material. This will avoid the formation of condensation on the base, which can then reach the insulation.
  • If you need to insulate the first floors in a low-rise private building, then you should use penoplex for this.
  • It is possible to insulate the ceiling on the top floor only from the inside of the home, despite the fact that this method is not recommended by professionals.
  • If you decide to put sawdust for insulation, then you will need to check whether they are dry or not. To do this, walk over them before laying. Dry material will bend and crunch.
  • The attic, which is insulated on all sides, and also equipped with heating, is not an attic, but an attic. Acceptable insulation materials for such areas are indicated above.
  • If you are installing penofol, then you should not use fasteners that need to be nailed, this method can negatively affect the thermal insulation properties of this material. It is better to purchase insulation with an adhesive base.

  • After laying the insulating material (especially if it is tiled), all cracks and joints must always be repaired on the base. Most often, polyurethane foam is used for this.
  • If you work with mineral wool, then you definitely need to use protective equipment - gloves and a respirator. Once fixed, this material will be safe, however, during the process of laying and cutting, tiny particles may appear in the air, which will irritate the mucous membranes and also cause itching on the skin.
  • It is necessary to fix the insulation as reliably and efficiently as possible. To do this, use various fasteners, slats and twine.
  • Insulation in the form of slabs can be fixed to the ceiling with glue. For this, it is permissible to use a reliable cement-based composition. Home craftsmen leave good reviews about this installation method, as it seems to them easier and faster.