Roof insulation: materials and their properties

The quality of the roof device in fact affects the life of the structure and the indoor climate. The most important point, which in no case should be missed during installation, is the insulation of the roof. From how correctly this stage was observed, in the future the service life and technical characteristics of the upper layer of the roof structure will depend. Roof insulation makes it possible to reliably protect structures from moisture and low temperatures, which leads to comfortable living in the house. Roof protection is important for the correct performance of its main function, namely, the preservation of heat in the attic, which is carried out exclusively in the absence of moisture.

Content

Roof insulation: types and features

If we talk about roof insulation, then it must be noted that it has several main types, including:

Thermal insulation;
Waterproofing;
Vapor barrier;
Wind insulation;
Moisture isolation.

Among the main two types, hydro and vapor barriers are distinguished, which play a major role in protecting the roof.

In the first case, the film reliably protects the under-roof space from moisture from the external environment.

The vapor barrier film prevents warm vapors from entering the insulation layer, which are rapidly trying to get out through the roof.

Waterproofing takes on the function of protecting against water, while vapor barrier acts as a barrier to air and moisture. This is precisely the difference between the two protective films for the roof. It should be noted that the waterproofing film is laid in front of the roof with a special gap. While the vapor barrier material is located on a rough surface on the inside of the insulation.

Roof insulation materials

Today, a wide selection of materials is offered for the installation of thermal insulation, which differ from each other in a number of operational characteristics. Laying methods may depend on the choice of materials, so the choice should be approached responsibly. Also, offers on the market can vary within several price segments, offering different levels of quality and protection.If you decide to purchase material for roof insulation yourself, then it is worth considering that the film must meet certain characteristics:

Environmental friendliness and the absence of harmful substances in the composition of the insulation.
The insulation material must necessarily be fire resistant to ensure a high level of safety in the room.
The thermal conductivity index plays one of the most important roles. Laying may require a minimum layer of material if this figure is low.
High-quality insulation material necessarily guarantees shape retention.
Thermal insulation is able to provide residential premises with good sound insulation, especially structures with a metal roof.

As mentioned above, at the moment there are a fairly large number of materials that are suitable for roof insulation. Among the most popular offers today are such materials as:

mineral wool;
ecowool;
sawdust;
glass wool and so on.

For roof waterproofing, polyethylene film is increasingly being used, which is also suitable for installing vapor barriers. If we consider other materials for roof vapor barrier, we can note the high demand not only for polyethylene, but also for glassine. However, it is immediately worth noting that such budget materials quickly lose their protective properties. If you plan to install insulation with a long service life, then it is best to pay attention to perforated membrane films. Due to their properties, such films are able not to let water or steam into the room and the insulation itself.

Roof insulation: installation methods

It is worth noting that the laying of hydro and vapor barrier materials does not require special skills, which is why roof insulation is often carried out by the owners of the house on their own. It is important to familiarize yourself with all the installation rules if you plan to save on the work of a specialist.

It is the vapor barrier material that is laid in the first layer, after which the insulation itself comes in and the waterproofing film is already laid on it. To obtain reliable protection and sound insulation, it is important to make the correct sequence of installation of all layers, taking into account the installation features for each of them.

It is worth considering in advance the factor that condensation often occurs inside the roof, which can be avoided with the help of a special allotted gap for ventilation. Typically, this distance between the roof and the waterproofing film is about 40-50 mm. In this case, during installation, special rails are installed that are able to maintain this gap and provide a reliable design.

The principle of operation of insulating materials

Membrane protection and film have become one of the most popular materials in the installation of insulation, but not everyone knows that there are more budgetary means of laying a protective layer:

One of the first is rigid sheet waterproofing, capable of providing durability and a high level of moisture control. The covering of sheets made of metal or polymers is attached to the roof by welding, dowels, etc.
Pasting insulation also has its own advantages and can be made using materials such as polyester, fiberglass, glassine, etc.
Mastic insulation is another type that is quite rare and can only be used for flat roofs. In this case, liquid polymeric materials are applied over the roof and reliably protect it from external influences.
Laying an insulating film still remains one of the most popular methods that reliably protects structures from moisture and excessive steam.

Isolate the pitched roof

Many sources recommend choosing waterproofing materials that are able to pass air. With this type of protection, a moisture barrier is created, but thermal insulation is responsible for limiting the ingress of vapors.

Primers and mastics are able to provide "breathable waterproofing" while doing an excellent job of their properties. In roofing, film insulation is one of the most reliable ways to ensure water tightness. Roofing membranes, which have become popular in construction work not so long ago, also do an excellent job. This type of material greatly simplifies the installation of insulation, since with its use there is no need to create special gaps between the layers.

flat roof insulation

If we talk about waterproofing for a flat roof, then it can be noted that it is the built-up, liquid, coating and other types of laying that are most often used here.The first option (surfacing) is quite budgetary compared to other proposals, however, it requires compliance with all safety rules when working with burners.

It is important to note that almost all of the above methods require the use of special equipment, which in some cases complicates the isolation process and requires the help of professionals.

Protecting roof structures with coating materials is also a fairly durable and reliable way to provide waterproofing. With the help of bituminous materials, in this case, it is possible to create multi-layer insulation that can withstand high temperature differences.

Roof insulation: results

Thus, we can conclude that the installation of any roof of attics and houses requires mandatory compliance with all the rules. Providing insulation has become one of the most important stages in the construction of residential and commercial, as well as industrial structures. Proper installation of waterproofing will ensure a long life of the roof and reliably protect the structure from moisture from outside. But the vapor barrier guarantees the prevention of moisture from entering the insulation from the ceilings of the room during the accumulation of vapors.

If you plan to install roof insulation in the near future, then it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the types of materials used and the advantages of each of them, choosing the best option depending on the type of roof and other characteristics.

Did the article help you?