Roof insulation: we understand all existing types and their features

Roof insulation is essential for maintaining the comfort and energy efficiency of your house. Knowing the various kinds of insulation that are available will enable you to make well-informed choices that will improve your living space and reduce your energy expenses. Every type of material, from more contemporary choices like spray foam and reflective insulation to more conventional ones like cellulose and fiberglass, has specific advantages that are appropriate for different climates and tastes.

The cost-effectiveness and durability of fiberglass insulation, which is made of tiny glass fibers, make it a popular option even today. It slows down heat transfer between your house and the outside environment by trapping air pockets. Cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly material with exceptional thermal performance that is derived from recycled paper products that have been treated for fire resistance. To increase thermal efficiency, both materials are frequently utilized in walls and attics.

Due to its capacity to expand after application, fill in voids, and produce an airtight seal that reduces air leakage, spray foam insulation has grown in popularity. This kind of insulation is perfect for humid climates because it not only insulates but also serves as a moisture barrier. Usually placed in attics, reflective insulation deflects radiant heat away from the living area, keeping houses cooler in the summer and saving money on air conditioning.

Think about things like installation requirements, budget, and climate when selecting the appropriate insulation for your roof. By avoiding ice dams and moisture buildup, properly installed insulation can lower heating and cooling expenses dramatically, increase indoor comfort, and even lengthen the life of your roof. Whether you’re designing a new construction or retrofitting an existing home, knowing the features of each type of insulation allows you to make informed decisions that save energy.

Modern insulation: from glass wools – to ecovata

Let’s begin with the most widely used heater available today, which is utilized by all construction companies.

Glass wool: insulation proven for years

The structure of glass wool is made up of unique fibers that are periodically connected to air. T.To. fiberglass is an inorganic material that cannot begin to rot or grow mold. Furthermore, we observe that mice rarely dislike glass wool as much.

Even with all of its drawbacks—including incredibly uncomfortable installation experiences and short lifespans—glass wool is comparatively cheap and offers good sound insulation as well as good protection from the cold and heat in the winter and summer.

The company Izover produces high-quality stelivats among contemporary brands. The range of thermal conductivity is 0.035-0.044 W/MK. The isover is compressed six times during the production process because fiberglass is elastic. As a result, the insulation takes on a compact form that is convenient to move and store.

Additionally, using this kind of insulation has a very straightforward principle:

Mineral wool: improved technology

The foundation of mineral wool is fiber, specifically wood, glass, and stone. Although this material is less irritating to the skin than glass wools and does not prickle when installed, it is still preferable to use personal protective measures for your health. Another benefit of mineral wool is that it is simple to fix any damage to them. Indeed, and even someone without any prior construction experience can install them:

However, some people do not even acknowledge mineral and glass cotton wool as a heating material. Although their official service life is 35 years, in reality they have only been providing heat for 15-20 years during the harsh Russian winters. Then, there has already been a slow decline in thermal insulation properties.

Basalt cotton wool: The next stage

The process used to produce mineral wool is essentially the same as that used to produce cotton wool; the only difference is that a rock is used in place of sugar. The best features are found in basalt heaters, which hold well in the spacer between the rafters because they are relatively elastic to the touch.

In the United States, the idea to melt rock for insulation was first proposed in 1897. This insulation’s quality has only gotten better since then. Additionally, contemporary mineral wool with this composition is fireproof, long-lasting, and eco-friendly.

Cellulose: fashion for processed material

Ecowata is credited with the new heater’s seemingly miraculous qualities. First of all, it is a special kind of building material with excellent thermal insulation that is also environmentally friendly. Secondly, the room develops a healthy microclimate as a result of Ecowata’s ability to "play" with humidity. For instance, the highest for the attic roof.

Ecowata is a loose, light-colored, dry mass that has a composition of 81% secondary cellulose and 19% volatile antiseptics and antipyrene. A somewhat devious welcome: they bought old newspapers that were no longer needed, processed boron, and insulated the roofs. both technologically advanced and environmentally friendly.

Despite the claimed benefit of no shrinkage, one could counter that, in actual objects, construction crews still adhere to code, albeit not always and largely depending on their level of expertise. Furthermore, it is a fact that the brigade will need to hire:

Foam: cheap and cheerful

The colloquial term for polystyrene foam and its varieties is foam. In Russia, the foundation, walls, and roof are all actively insulated, even though the use of this material in construction is forbidden in many other countries. Ultimately, despite being inexpensive, the foam has a lot of beneficial qualities.

• The long service life during which he does not lose his operational properties.
• Not subject to mold, corrosion, rot or mushrooms.
• Absolutely waterproof and never gets wet.
• Serves as excellent sound insulation.
• Easy in installation and practically does not steal the useful area of ​​the room (for the arrangement of the living attic – the very thing).
• It has lightweight, so that roofing on warming is easier and faster – this is not mineral wool on the lifts.

However, of all the roof insulation options currently available, this is hardly environmentally friendly, despite what manufacturers would have you believe. However, the foam found in other compositions is perfectly fine. For instance, on a flat roof, a tight insulation would be a tight combination of polystyrene and concrete.

PPU: without seams and "cold bridges"

PPU is referred to as the "XXI century technology" in the construction industry. One can only be happy to learn that the roof insulation obtained through PPU has a 30-year service life. And it couldn’t have been simpler: there were no joints or seams, they called the company, and everything was insulated during the day.

One issue exists, though: savings. We are referring to the countless construction crews that pass by the site almost daily, make do with subpar tools, and only have a short lifespan. After it was sprayed today, everything appears to be fine at first. However, everything will still write off on the PPU itself if the insulation starts to collapse and endangers the homeowners. Therefore, be prepared to pay more for professionalism if you truly want to receive the full 30-year life of new insulation and avoid being poisoned by hazardous chemical secretions at the same time.

"Cotton blanket" in Japanese

Blowing mineral wool on the roof is a common method of warming it. When the insulation is complete, it looks like a wool blanket that has been spread throughout the attic. Additionally, the method’s name, "blowing," is intriguing because it literally means "blowing."

Consequently, there are no gaps or seams, which is one of the most crucial things for insulation. and less harmful to the environment than PPU. However, a specific technique is required for insulation through blowing.

Wood "Wool": Soviet quality insulation

Slabs made of low-density wood and cement first appeared a century ago, and as time went on, fibrilite factories popped up all over the world. Fibrilite is not new to Russia; in the USSR, this kind of isolation was employed. Fibrilite accounted for 9% of all heat-insulating materials in total.

Similar to fibrilite-only foamed extruded polystyrene foam in terms of thermal insulation. However, he loses badly in terms of fire safety. Fibrolite also offers effective sound absorption.

Have you already determined which type of contemporary insulation is best for your home’s roof? Hold on a moment longer—the most fascinating is up front!

In this piece for "All about the roof," we’ll delve into the realm of roof insulation, analyzing the various varieties and their distinctive characteristics. Knowing the features and advantages of rigid foam, fiberglass, spray foam, and cellulose insulation is essential for making well-informed decisions regarding the comfort and energy efficiency of your house. We’ll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each type as well as which might be most appropriate for different roofing materials and climates. By the time it’s all over, you’ll know exactly what choices are available to you, giving you the confidence to select the best insulation solution for your roof.

It is essential to comprehend the different types of roof insulation to keep your house cozy and energy-efficient. Depending on your needs, budget, and climate, each type has unique benefits.

Fiberglass insulation is still a popular option because of its reputation for being both inexpensive and efficient. It is a flexible option for different types of roof structures because of its thermal performance and simplicity of installation.

Spray foam insulation is a good option if resistance to moisture is important. It creates a smooth barrier that offers strong defense against moisture and air infiltration and can improve energy efficiency.

Natural fiber insulation, such as cotton or wool, provides sustainable options for homeowners who care about the environment. These materials offer superior thermal characteristics and are frequently treated to increase their durability and fire resistance.

Radiant heat is reflected from the roof surface by reflective insulation, which is usually made of aluminum foil. It can drastically lower cooling expenses and is perfect for hot climates.

In the end, the ideal kind of insulation for your roof will rely on elements like the local climate, your spending capacity, and the unique requirements of your house. You can increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your house by making an informed choice by being aware of the various types of insulation and their characteristics.

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