Pitched Roof Insulation.
A sloped roof consists of several different components: the structure, the insulation, the ventilation of the roof space , the roof covering, the water drainage system and apertures.
Why is proper insulation essential for the roof?
The roof is one of the most important areas related to home energy loss:
- 30% of heat escapes through the roof when it is poorly insulated.
- Before insulating, the integrity of the roof should be tested (sealing, condition of the frame, etc.) to ensure that structure can support the chosen insulation material.
Well designed and installed roof insulation ensures:
- The comfort and well-being of the occupants.
- The retention of interior heat in the winter.
- Protection from the heat of the summer.
- Energy losses are limited.
- A home with good thermal performance.
- The integrity of the house.
To find out what insulation is best, it is important to consider if the roof space is habitable or only storage space. If the attic space is uninhabitable, it is possible to insulate only the ceiling of the top floor (attic floor).
Advantages:
- Simpler and less time-consuming installation work.
- More economical.
Types of insulation
In the case of attic space, there are various types of insulation which are common. Interior insulation is possibly the most conventional method of insulation, it requires little work. There are various choices available:
Insulation materials for the roof
When insulating a pitched / sloping roof, there is a choice between several insulation materials. Some are in the form of batts or rolls, others form a foam that is injected:
Insulation panels:
- Foam board
- Polystyrene
- Cellular glass
- Straw core insulation
- Cellulose
Insulation rolls:
- Glass wool or wool
- Fiberglass
- Plastic fibers
- Natural fibers
Foam insulation:
- Â Polyurethane
Roofing insulation standards
When choosing roofing insulation, thermal resistance is designated by the letter R. Most roofing insulation in the USA has a rating between R30 – R60 depending on the type of roof. The higher the R value the better the insulating performance. The geographical location of your home in the USA will also influence the R rating recommended in your area.