7 best roof insulation

The roofing is one of the most difficult and crucial stages in the construction of the house. Today, a variety of roofing projects are being implemented, from simple sloping roofs to sophisticated hip constructions. More and more attention during the design is paid to thermal insulation. It is from above that the cold most often penetrates into the living quarters. And if earlier only the attic of the ceiling was made, then at present a great emphasis is placed on the thermal insulation of the truss system. This is due to the desire of homeowners to make the attic or living room under the roof. But the best result is given by a complex of measures, including insulation of both roofs and floors. Experts identify several qualities that should have insulation for the roof.

1. In the process of roof insulation, it is important not to overload the truss system. Therefore, the material must be very light.
2. The main parameter for insulation will be an indicator of thermal conductivity. It is selected taking into account the climatic features of the region. The lower the thermal conductivity, the better the insulating properties.
3. In the roof structure, effective ventilation will be a necessary element. The steam must leave the house unhindered, otherwise the insulation properties will deteriorate.
4. Birds, rodents, insects, and also microorganisms can also break the thermal insulation layer. Therefore, preference is given to biostable materials.
5. When constructing a residential attic, you need to take care of sound insulation. The best material will be the one that combines heat and sound insulation qualities. A permanent presence in the attic space will be safe only when using environmental heat insulators.

In our review got the best insulation for the roof. The following criteria were taken into account when compiling the rating:

• environmental friendliness of the material;
• thermal insulation properties;
• resistance to mechanical and biological destruction;
• price;
• expert opinion;
• consumer reviews.

TOP 7 best roof insulation

7 Styrofoam

Polyfoam is considered a universal insulation, which is used at different stages of building a house. It should be noted that there are many brands that differ in density and grain. So white foam PSB-15 is not suitable for laying on the floor due to its low strength. The exception is laying between the lags. But to fill the space in the roofing pie is very convenient. Polyfoam attracts attention primarily low price and low weight. The material is easily cut with a regular knife, with the installation also no problems.

Many users consciously purchase the cheapest heat insulator, understanding all its flaws. The material crumbles, breaks, decomposes. It can not exactly fit to each other, so you have to zapirovit forming gaps. To ensure the fire safety of the dwelling, it is necessary to arrange a fireproof fence.

6 Foam glass

Foam glass was invented a long time ago, but thanks to modern technology, unique properties have been achieved. The innovativeness of the material lies in the honeycomb structure of foamed silicate glass.Scope of a heater is rather wide. At the device of a roof plates are usually used. Experts note a number of positive properties of insulation. It is safety for the person, since foam glass from eco-friendly raw materials becomes. Service life reaches 100 years, the material is not affected by microorganisms, is not destroyed by birds, rodents or insects. He is not afraid of climatic effects, the insulation is not deformed under high loads. And you can cut the plates with a regular hacksaw.

As for the shortcomings, the main one is the high price. Thermal insulation does not conduct steam, the material itself is rather heavy, and it is impossible to restore damaged areas.

5 Ecowool

Today, ecowool is of great interest to consumers. First of all, the insulation attracts attention with environmental friendliness. The main components of the heat insulator are paper-cardboard products. For the manufacture of ecowool used defective paper, cardboard waste, newspaper-type waste paper. Antifungal and fireproof additives are also included, their volume reaches 20%. In addition to environmental friendliness, cellulose-based insulation has a high sound insulation value. In the process of applying it is possible to fill all hard-to-reach places, forming a complete thermal insulation.

Ecowool has its own characteristics, which are important to consider when roofing. Over time, the material decreases in volume, due to which there is an increase in thermal conductivity. Experts recommend laying a 20-25% more insulation. To ecowool does not absorb moisture, you need to take care of effective ventilation.

4 Polyurethane foam

One of the most effective insulation for the roof is polyurethane foam. A feature of this material is the need for its deposition. The product is supplied in the form of two liquids that are mixed before application. Special equipment and protective clothing is required to work with PUF. After solidification, a continuous seam is formed, and the degree of thermal insulation can be adjusted by the layer thickness. Since the PUF does not allow steam, it is first necessary to make a batten.

Polyurethane foam is a synthetic material, so rodents and insects do not damage it. The disadvantages of insulation experts include the high cost of coverage. In addition, the service life of PPU is less than that of other roofing materials. Not the best and sound insulation properties, so when building a roof, you will have to install an additional layer of sound absorbers.

3 Expanded clay

For insulation attic floor is often used loose heat insulator expanded clay. It is a pebble of a certain size with many pores inside. Expanded clay fill the space between the lags, forming a continuous sound and heat insulation layer. The high popularity of expanded clay due to reasonable price and durability. This material is not afraid of moisture, it is not affected by mold or fungus, it does not make a mouse nest. And the hardiness of expanded clay allows you to use it in extreme climates. Since the insulation is made of clay, one of the advantages experts call environmental friendliness.

The disadvantages include the fragility of the granules; even when falling asleep, care must be taken. At damage of expanded clay its thermal conductivity worsens. And the scope of application of this insulation is limited to the ceiling of the house.

2 Mineral wool

Mineral wool has good thermal and sound insulation properties. Ease of installation is combined with a reasonable price, which makes the material one of the most popular when performing roofing work. The undoubted advantages of mini wool include fire safety and biostability. The material has been used in construction for a long time, but if earlier it was a fiberglass base, now eco-friendly materials (basalt) are used. When installing a sloping roof, slabs are inserted between the rafters, and the material can also be laid between lags. For a flat roof, a more rigid mineral wool is used, the density of which reaches 140-160 kg / cu. m

There is a thermal insulator and some drawbacks that are important to consider when building a roof. When wet thermal conductivity doubles, so you need to eliminate any leakage. Over time, insulation can crumble.

1 Foamed polystyrene foam

The economic feasibility of the application is often justified by the choice of such insulation as foiled polystyrene foam. With it you can not only keep warm in the attic, but also put a reliable barrier moisture. The basis of insulation becomes extruded polystyrene, which resembles foam rubber in structure. The foil layer reflects up to 97% of thermal radiation, which makes the heat insulator one of the most effective. In addition, the material provides a waterproofing of 100% with proper installation. Choose the most suitable panel is not difficult, their thickness ranges from 10 to 100 mm. It is convenient to lay a heater, it has a small weight, it is easy to cut, it is simply mounted.

A thin layer does not always provide the necessary insulation, it is often necessary to install another layer of insulation. Over time, the foil begins to oxidize, which leads to clouding and deterioration of the reflective properties.

Popular vote - which insulation is best for the roof?
We vote!

Foamed polystyrene foam

Mineral wool

Expanded clay

Polyurethane foam

Ecowool

Foam glass

Styrofoam

Total voted: 50

Vote results