Since
it is the topmost part of your home, the roof gets the radiation heat of the
sun full blast. It is very important to protect this part of your house.
Likewise, the roof insulation used
on this part not only stops the radiant energy from the sun but can preserve
this energy to bring comfort with less cost on utilities.
In
colder situations in winter, the insulation gives better thermal protection.
The insulation preserves the heat convection inside. It also decreases the
chances of thermal moisture condensation that can create other follow-through
problems like molds, mildew, dripping and rot.
Materials
There
are two types of materials used for roof insulation. One is the reflective
insulation material and the second is bulk insulation materials like the
blankets, blown-in cellulose, sprayed foam and rigid boards.
In
homes, commercial building, and metal structures, bulk insulation and foil are preferred.
They make an insulation system. In hotter and colder conditions, insulating the
roof uses reflective insulation materials. This is for better control of
unwanted temperature gain or loss, including moisture penetration.
Reflective
With
other materials, there is the reflective insulating system made up of two
different payers of aluminum foils. Sandwiched with the inner layers of foam,
plastic bubble sheet and fiberglass, they reflect about 97% of the radiant heat
from the roof surface.
The
primary aim is to reflect back the heat into the outside atmosphere instead of
letting it get into the heated attic.
This is
the best system used during summer when it reflects back the heat of the sun
through the use of aluminum. In retrofit conditions, having a radiant barrier
below the attic surface can lower the cooling costs, especially in long and hot
summers.
Bulk
This
actually consists of blankets or batts insulation materials. The materials are
made of fiberglass, cotton, sheep’s wool, or mineral wool. This is very
effective against the rising flow of warm air. The system traps the heat and
prevents it from penetrating inside or outside.
Rigid foams,
however, have some advantage over the blankets. It does not compress or absorb
the moisture. Also, it has higher insulation characteristic with longer life.
The
sprayed polyurethane foam is ideal for insulating metal walls and roofs. It
works by sealing the air and moisture leaks, and controlling condensation as
well.
Wood-frame
Creating
a total insulation system using reflective and bulk insulation is ideal in any
condition for many. With attics that are unheated, bulk insulation materials
can be used on the floor while the reflective under the roof to reflect inside
heat.
In
heated attics, the same insulation can be applied over the roof surface to get
the relief from radiant heat. Most of home roofs have enough room between the
rafters to allow two inches of airspace for air circulation under the
roof.
This leaves
the moisture and vapor to penetrate directly inside the house. The reflective roof insulation will work as a vapor barrier as well in the situation. Insulating the topmost part of your home is helpful
in many conditions. It lowers the energy consumption and it provides greater
comfort levels.
