3 Reasons Why You Need Roof Insulation
Why is roof insulation so important for your home? We have three reasons to learn about. Read on.
Your roof is one of the biggest investments that you’ll make into your home. Once you’ve had a new roof installed, you’ll want to take good care of it. If you don’t, you run the risk of it falling apart and getting damaged over time. One excellent way to take care of it is to have it properly insulated.
Here’s why you should have your roof insulated sooner rather than later.
1. Save On Your Home Energy Costs
This is one of the biggest reasons why homeowners should have their roofs insulated. When you do, you’ll be able to save a substantial amount on your energy bills.
If you live in a climate that’s particularly cold or hot, then you have to have an HVAC system that will keep your home comfortable all throughout the year. They’re an excellent invention, but the problem is that all that energy can easily make its way through the roof and into the atmosphere. When that happens, the HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home at a reasonable temperature. That will affect your energy bills, making them higher than they should be.
When a roof is properly insulated, you’ll be able to see a significant drop in those bills. The energy is kept in the house rather than leaving through the roof, so your HVAC will have less to do overall. It’s good for your budget and the environment, too.
2. Manage The Heat In Your Home
As well as saving on bills, that insulation in your roof will help stop heat from escaping your home or coming in through the roof, as needed. As mentioned above, insulation will keep heat from escaping through the roof in the winter months. That helps you keep more in the house, making it much more comfortable overall.
In the warmer months, you’ll be trying to keep the heat out of your house. The sun will be beating down on the roof, and without insulation, it will heat the house up quickly. That way, your HVAC will have to run more often to cool the house down. With insulation, the roof will actually be able to deflect more heat, making the house cooler.
3. Help Reduce Wear On The Roof
Even the newest roofs will start to experience wear and tear from the elements. The wind and rain can take off roof shingles and create leaks, but you’ve got to look out for the sun, too. UV rays can do their part to damage the roofing materials, breaking down its protection.
There are lots of different ways of tackling this, such as picking the right roofing materials and doing regular inspections. As well as this, you can insulate your roof. An insulated roof will be able to protect your roof from extreme temperatures, which take their toll. With that protection, the roof will last longer as a result.
Types Of Roofing Insulation
So as you can see, there are lots of different reasons why you should insulate your roof if it isn’t already. Now you’ve decided to do so, you’ll need to pick the type of insulation that’s right for you. Here are the different types that are currently available to you:
- Spray Foam Insulation
This is the most common form of insulation out there right now. This is polyethylene foam spray, and it’s highly effective. It works by bonding tiles and shingles together, creating a seal that keeps the weather out of the roof.
There are two different types of spray foam insulation, and you need to be sure that you’re picking the right one. Closed cell foam has closed cells that are pressed close together, which makes the foam more stable. That makes it better for keeping moisture out of your home. Open cell spray, on the other hand, is better for indoor applications, like soundproofing.
- Rigid Insulation Boards
This insulation type is made of boards of closed cell foam, which can be installed almost anywhere in your home. These are an environmentally friendly option with a high R value, so they’ll work hard to protect your roof. There are different types of board you can get, depending on the climate and your own needs:
Polyiso: Has a foil facing as a radiant barrier. Is the most expensive but has the highest R value.
XPS: These boards have a plastic surface and are highly water resistant. They use polystyrene though, which is flammable.
EPS: Very similar to XPS, but it has a lower R value. It does still work well, and its lower price makes it a good budget option.
- Batt Insulation
Batt or batt blanket insulation is created in sheets, which are pre-cut and then installed in your roof. It’s blown into hard to reach areas in order to give you full coverage.
There are two different types of batt insulation. Fiberglass is the one that’s most commonly used, as it’s flame retardant and resists moisture. However, it has been found to cause skin irritation. That’s why some have chosen to go with cellulose instead. It’s highly eco-friendly as it’s made from recycled materials, but it isn’t fire retardant like fiberglass is.
- Structural Insulated Panels
These are the newest type of insulation out there, but it’s already being installed in homes all over the country. These panels can insulate your roof, as well as offer support and replace wooden frames. They’re very durable, but their one weakness is moisture. They can be used with vapor barriers to combat this, however. As such, they are worth looking into when you come to insulate your roof.
Conclusion
Insulating your roof is more important than you may think. It will help keep the elements out, keep the roof in better condition for longer, and ensure that you keep your energy bills down. Talk to your local roofer today to get a quote on insulation. It’ll be a worthwhile investment in keeping your home safe and comfortable for a long time to come.