5 Factors to Consider When Selecting Roof Insulation For Your Home

Proper roof insulation can save you up to 50% on your energy bills, which are bound to be high in the winter. Insulation acts like a blanket that prevents the transfer of heat. It is usually wedged between your home’s roof surface and roof deck. It reduces your energy consumption in terms of heating, reduces your carbon footprint and eliminates condensation inside the building.

Here are a few factors to discuss with your roofing company with regards to roof insulation:

Evaluate the current condition of your home

Before adding any insulation, you need to check the existing roof and attic condition. If you had any insulation before that now smells damp or looks moldy, your roof is leaking. You need to have that repaired before installing any new insulation. You also need to have any sagging or split rafters fixed.

Moreover, it is important to have an architect check your rafters’ size. If they are undersized, you could have a fully insulated roof which reduces heat’s access to the roof in case of a snowstorm. The increased snow load due to the reduced rate of melting will lead to your roof’s structural failure. For those with silicon render, you might want to learn how to maintain it to help with your home insulation. A guide to cleaning silicon render can be found here.

How well your attic is sealed

Before having any new insulation, you need to seal gaps, holes, and cracks that will allow movement of air between the inside and outside. This ensures that your desired temperature is maintained. While sealing the gaps in the attic is important, there’s still a degree of ventilation required in an attic. An expert should help you figure out the balance between ventilation and sealing out your attic.

What R-value is required

R-value is the rating used to define a material’s thermal resistance per square inch of material. There are minimum set R-values for all new homes that vary among different jurisdictions. To reduce energy bills, you are encouraged to set yours at least above the minimum specified value. The best way to determine your R-value is to have a professional do it after assessing your premises and putting all your specifications in mind.

What material your home is built of

Your home’s construction materials have a tremendous impact on the thermal mass you will be handling, and are therefore an important factor to consider. Materials like brick and concrete are capable of storing heat and releasing it very slowly. You also need to consider your doors and windows. For instance, double-glazed windows can contribute to saving high amounts of heat inside your home.

Where your home is situated

The climate in your location should be considered, as you need insulation that can keep heat in, keep heat out or strike a delicate balance between the two. In hot climates, you will want reflective insulation more than bulk insulation materials like fiberglass as the former keeps radiant heat from entering living spaces.

Conclusion:

Installing roof insulation is a worthwhile investment for your home. Obtaining the advice of an expert of a structural engineer or builder is highly recommended to ensure you get the right insulation solutions for your budget and needs.