In order to insulate the attic, it is necessary to approach the choice of materials with all responsibility. Even the best roofing cannot have such thermal insulation as a main wall due to insufficient thickness. Therefore, it is necessary to choose 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 than others, since it does not have capital walls and a thermal cushion, which is an attic in any house. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly calculate the required thickness of the insulation, which will allow you to live in the attic in winter.
The most commonly used insulation materials 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 install 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 of operation.
Advantages and disadvantages of heaters
Expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) 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 correctly. However, if it is frequently exposed to heat, the foam becomes toxic over time 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 insulating capital walls, where it will be closed from external influences.
Polyurethane foam - one of the most commonly used insulation materials. 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 attic insulation. Due to its low weight, it is easy to install, resistant to low temperatures and strong heat (from -155 to +210 C), does not require additional surface preparation before application. The service life of this material is approximately 50 years. The main disadvantages of polyurethane foam are its flammability and the need for special equipment for spraying. When burning, it emits substances hazardous to the human body.
Ecowool It is considered a completely environmentally friendly material, since it contains exclusively cellulose and there are no gluing 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. The suction of ecowool includes fire retardants. Thanks to this, it is difficult to ignite ecowool with an open flame and it quickly extinguishes itself. 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 drawback of this insulation.
Mineral wool is the most popular proven insulation. Because it is produced from various raw materials, their properties are somewhat different.It is divided based on the materials used in the manufacture: glass wool, stone wool, basalt wool, slag wool. The best way to insulate a house is stone wool. It is also more convenient to work with, as it does not have prickly fibers. Irritating to mucous membranes and skin. Stone wool has a high heating threshold of 550-600 degrees. In its variety - basalt 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, you need to take safety measures in the form of skin, respiratory and vision protection. It is necessary to be safe when working with slag. It is no less dangerous than glass. The maximum heating temperature of the slag wool is only +300 degrees. However, its hygroscopicity makes it impossible to use it without additional waterproofing materials, and also when using it, you should refrain from metal crate because of the slag composition.
It should be noted that mineral wool is one of the most optimal materials for insulating an attic room.
Each material has its pros and cons. Undoubtedly, when choosing, the price of a heater, its installation, matters, but we must not forget that efficiency and safety should always be in the first place. The filler should not only insulate the attic room, but also not harm the health of the inhabitants of the house.
