Consider the technological process of warming bath ceilings of various designs, as well as the features of the choice of materials for this work. It will be a good guide for those wishing to perform high-quality thermal insulation of the bath ceiling. Content:
- Thermal insulation basics
- Insulation technology
- Mineral wool
- Expanded clay
- Sawdust
- Clay
Competent insulation of the bath ceiling will ensure the long-term operation of the structure and its correct functioning, significantly reduce fuel consumption, reduce the heating time of the room, preserve the formed microclimate and prevent the leakage of the generated thermal energy.
Bath thermal insulation basics
The advantage of having an attic room in the bath is the fact that a warm and heated air flow, tending to the top according to the laws of physics, meets an obstacle in the form of a durable ceiling covering, which cannot be said about a bath structure without an attic, where there are much fewer obstacles in the path of air. A common condition for all types of bath ceilings is a competently executed steam and thermal insulation without gaps and crevices. Note! An illiterate design of the vapor barrier increases the risk of heat loss and increases the formation of condensation in the room, which reduces the service life of not only the interior decoration materials, but also the thermal insulation layer.
Bath ceiling insulation technology
Existing insulation materials have proven to be practical, time-tested, easy to use, possessing excellent thermal insulation properties and as relatively inexpensive in terms of cost: mineral wool (from 460 rubles / pack), clay (free of charge), expanded clay (from 210 rubles / bag), sawdust (free of charge). All methods of warming the ceiling of a bath, regardless of the thermal insulation material used, require compliance with certain rules:
- On the outer part of the ceiling, a vapor barrier layer is laid, which is fixed with a crate nailed perpendicular to the ceiling beams. The following materials can be used as such a barrier: aluminum foil (fixed with a reflector inside the room); vapor barrier membrane; sealed cardboard impregnated with linseed oil; special vapor barrier film; wax paper. Any of the ceiling structures, in addition to hydro and thermal insulation, necessarily presupposes the presence of a vapor barrier layer, which is placed immediately on the beams pretreated with an antiseptic and on beams hemmed with boards.
- The next stage of work will be to fix the selected thermal insulation material. A distance of 20-25 cm must be maintained between the pipe and the insulation (according to fire safety rules). Pre-build a box for the pipe, which will protect it from contact with steam, heat and gyro insulation. Fill the area inside the box with non-flammable material (stone wool).
- Laying a waterproofing layer, if you have chosen mineral wool for insulation of the ceiling (this material will lose all its properties after it gets wet) or expanded clay. A ventilation gap (5–7 cm) must be left between the thermal and waterproofing layers to improve thermal conductivity.
- On top of the waterproofing layer, it is possible to lay a sub-floor, made with an edged or non-edged board.
Despite the typical feature of the bath roof structure (with or without an attic), the entire technological process of insulation can be performed completely relying on one's own strength. Consider the most successful examples of time-tested and modern options for materials used for thermal insulation of the ceiling of a bath, and get acquainted with the installation features of each.
Insulation of the ceiling in the bath with mineral wool
Minvata is a popular artificial material in construction, which has established itself as an excellent durable refractory heat insulator. The weak side of mineral wool is hydrophobia, but everything is easily solvable with a layer of waterproofing.
This heat insulator is used mainly in small baths with a flat ceiling without an attic (although ceiling insulation in a bath with mineral wool is practiced in both panel and ceiling structures). On the walls, boards treated with an antiseptic are fixed, more than 5 cm wide. Further, a mineral insulation is mounted on the laid vapor barrier layer, which must be covered with waterproofing. Such insulation is the simplest, highest quality, fastest and cheapest at cost.
Insulation of the ceiling in the bath with expanded clay
Expanded clay is environmentally and fireproof, durable, relatively not heavy, but capable of increasing the total mass of the building, material. Its use is justified in large-sized structures with an attic and a false ceiling. The standard layer of this insulation is 30 cm. Insulation with expanded clay requires the mandatory installation of waterproofing and a high-quality vapor barrier layer.
Note! Do not mix expanded clay with bulk materials (sand, straw, sawdust, etc.). Such impurities will trap steam penetrating the ceiling, provoke the formation of condensation and high humidity, resulting in the appearance of mold, mildew and excess moisture.
Insulation of the ceiling in the bath with sawdust
"Dedovsky" proven method of warming the ceiling of a bath - the use of environmentally friendly and safe material - sawdust. Installation of such a heater is quite simple:
- Ceilings are lined with boards, the thickness of which must be at least 2.5 cm. All wood is thoroughly treated with an antiseptic.
- Sawdust is poured onto the carefully fixed vapor barrier (should go 15–20 cm on the walls), which should be well tamped. The amount of material should be flush with the top edge of the beams.
- From above, for convenience, you can make a flooring of boards.
The use of pure sawdust requires compliance with the following conditions:
- the material must be clean, dry, free of rot and debris;
- the size of sawdust should be of a medium fraction;
- it is advisable to mix hardwood sawdust with ash, in order to avoid decay processes;
- coniferous sawdust is less susceptible to bugs and rodents.
Also, a highly reliable version of a heat insulator can be made from a mixture of sawdust and cement (10: 1). Water is added to the mixed dry sawdust and cement, until the consistency of a concrete solution is obtained. The resulting cocktail is poured onto the prepared surface with a layer of at least 10 cm.
Thermal insulation of the ceiling in the bath with clay
Clay is the most successful insulation option in all respects; it is a safe, economical, environmentally friendly, energy-saving natural material. The only peculiarity in using clay is the need to mix it with straw (2 parts clay, 3 parts straw, some water). The mass prepared for insulation of the ceiling should resemble plasticine, be elastic and homogeneous. Such a mixture is applied to the vapor barrier with a layer of 5–10 cm, after which it is carefully leveled. After about a month, the surface covered with clay should be checked for defects (cracks, cracks), which will need to be re-filled with a similar solution.
For a video review of ceiling insulation in a bath, see here:
Do-it-yourself ceiling insulation in a bath is not a laborious and difficult process. Using inexpensive and practical materials, time-tested, and the tips purchased in this article, you can independently carry out all the insulation work for the ceiling and get a comfortable room for relaxation and recovery.
