Attic insulation
01 Noiembrie 2014
Moreover, as in the case of the other insulation works (floor, walls), attic insulation works represent a long-term investment because heating costs and, consequently, maintenance bills will be much lower.
The best insulating material, in the case of attics and not only, is mineral wool (glass or basalt). It is installed either above the rafters – between the roof and the rafters – or between and under them – just as happens in the insulation of beam ceilings.
Specialists recommend the second option, in which case an additional thermal insulation layer must be added in order to avoid the formation of thermal bridges.
The steps towards proper attic insulation, using mineral wool, are the following:
1. First of all, the existence of a waterproofing membrane under the roof is checked – this does not allow water to penetrate from the outside environment. If it does not already exist, its installation is absolutely necessary. The installation is carried out above the rafters.
2. The next step is cutting the insulating material, in our case the mineral wool. Keep a „margin of error”, meaning leave the material 2-3 cm longer in order to ensure perfect filling between the rafters.
3. Point 3 refers to the thermal insulation layer mentioned a little above. For its installation, you will need small beams perpendicular to the rafters between which the thermal insulation material will be installed.
4. Last but not least, a vapor barrier membrane must be installed, which will cover the entire insulated surface. The membrane joints will be sealed tightly with the help of a double-sided adhesive tape and a batten (at the joint with the walls of the house).
Once the attic insulation has been completed, its arrangement can be carried out as in the case of any interior, without worrying about the formation of condensation, the appearance of dampness or the impossibility of living there during winter and summer, at extreme temperatures.
