To insulate the attic, it is necessary with all responsibility to approach the choice of materials. Even the best roof can not have such insulation as the main wall due to insufficient thickness. Therefore, it is necessary to choose such a heater that will make the attic suitable for living at any time of the year.
How to insulate the attic
The attic room is more prone to freezing, as it does not have capital walls and a thermal cushion, which is the attic in any house. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly calculate the required thickness of the insulation, which will allow living in the attic in winter.
The most used heaters are:
- Expanded polystyrene
- Polyurethane foam
- Ecowool
- Mineral wool
These heaters adhere well to both the roofing material and are well fixed by the crate. In some regions, due to exposure to very low temperatures, it is necessary to lay the insulation in 2 or 3 layers.
In order to choose a heat insulating material, it is necessary to analyze all its qualities and characteristics. These include low thermal conductivity, environmental friendliness of the material, low density, ease of installation, incombustibility and durability.
Advantages and disadvantages of insulation
Styrofoam (Styrofoam) It does not carry a large load on the roof structure due to its low weight. This insulation is quite durable and easy to install. It has low absorbency and is safe when used properly. However, if it is often exposed to heat, over time, the foam becomes toxic and releases substances that can affect human health. Its disadvantages also include a high degree of flammability and toxicity of smoke. This material is recommended to be installed for insulation of capital walls, where it will be closed from external influences.
Polyurethane foam - one of the most commonly used heaters. Due to the fact that it is applied by spraying, this allows you to create an additional barrier against the penetration of cold air, due to the tightness of the coating. Therefore, it can be considered one of the most effective fillers for warming the attic. Due to its light weight, it is easy to mount, resistant to low temperatures and strong heat (from -155 to +210 C), before application does not require additional surface preparation. The life of this material is approximately 50 years. The main disadvantages of polyurethane foam are its combustibility and the need for special equipment for spraying. When burning, it releases substances hazardous to the human body.
Ecowool It is considered a completely environmentally friendly material, since it contains exclusively cellulose and there are no adhesive components. Due to its loose structure and natural composition, this material has better thermal insulation properties compared to synthetic insulation, and prevents rodents or insects from taking root in it. Ecowools include fire retardants. Thanks to this ecowool it is difficult to ignite with an open flame and it quickly self-extinguishes. Also, condensation does not form in it, due to the porous structure. This material is the safest. Expensive equipment for laying ecowool can be the only minus of this insulation.
Mineral wool is the most sought after proven insulation. Because they produce it from various raw materials, their properties are somewhat different.Separate it based on the materials used in the manufacture: glass wool, stone wool, basalt wool, slag wool. It is best to warm the house with stone wool. It is also more convenient for work, since it does not have sharp fibers. Irritating to mucous membranes and skin. Stone wool has a high heating threshold of 550-600 degrees. In its variety - basaltic filler, this threshold is even higher: 900-950 degrees. He is also the safest. Glass wool in this comparison can withstand low temperatures up to 60 degrees, and high temperatures up to +450 degrees. Glass wool is more affordable, but to work with it it is necessary to take safety measures in the form of skin, respiratory and vision protection. It is necessary to be safe during work and with slag. It is no less dangerous than glass. The maximum heating temperature of slag is only +300 degrees. However, its hygroscopicity makes it impossible to use it without additional waterproofing materials, and also when using it, one should refrain from the metal crate due to the slag composition.
It is worth noting that mineral wool is one of the most optimal materials in order to insulate the attic.
Each material has its pros and cons. Undoubtedly, the price of the insulation and its installation matters when choosing, but we must not forget that efficiency and safety should always be in the first place. The filler should not only insulate the attic, but also not harm the health of the residents of the house.
