What do you need to Insulate a Roof?

If it isn’t already, insulating your roof is one of the best investments that you can make into your property.

Not only does roofing insulation boost the value of your property and help you to save on your energy bills but, when you enlist the assistance of a roofing insulation specialist, the job can be completed quickly, easily and affordably.

So, to help you find out more about the process of insulating a roof, and the extensive benefits of roofing insulation, we’ve created this simple, comprehensive guide.

How to insulate your roof

The materials that you will need to insulate a roof, and the order in which they are fitted, are as follows:

Insulation board

• This is the actual insulation material for the roof, and it comes in a number of different types (more on this later).

Underlayment

• This is a layer of material that adds an extra layer of insulation to the roof, while also protecting it from moisture. It is installed on top of the roof deck, underneath the insulation board.

Fasteners

• To secure the insulation board and underlayment to the roof, screws, nails, or other fasteners are used.

Vapour barrier

• This layer of material further prevents moisture from entering the insulation. It is installed on top of the insulation board.

Roof ventilation

• Ventilation allows for the proper circulation of air. This is key to regulating the temperature and moisture levels in the attic space.

Protective covering

• Finally, after the insulation is installed, it is covered with a protective material. This could be roofing felt or roofing paper.

Although these are the standard industry materials used, it is important to note that these may vary slightly for the installation of your roof insulation, depending on the type of roof you have, and the climate that your property is in.

What insulation is best suited for roofs?

There are several different types of roof insulation out there. These vary in their strengths, as they are designed to provide property owners with a range of different options, depending on the specific requirements of their property.

Factors that will influence the type of roof insulation that you choose will include the type of roof you have, your budget and the climate that your property is exposed to.

The most common roof insulation types include:

Fibreglass

• This is made from fibres of glass, held together with a binder. Fibreglass insulation is popular as a result of its ease of installation, and relative affordability.

Cellulose

• This is made from recycled paper products, which are then treated with chemicals (to make the insulation fire-resistant and pest-resistant). Cellulose insulation is a popular eco-friendly insulation type, with a high R-value.

Foam board

• This is made from rigid foam panels, which are then cut to the required size. Foam board insulation is known for being easy to install and having a high R-value.

Spray foam

• This is sprayed directly onto the roof, and then expands to fill in any gaps and crevices. Spray foam insulation is also easy to install and offers a high R-value.

Reflective

• This is a reflective material, which works by reflecting heat away from the roof. Reflective insulation is specifically designed for hot climates, as it helps to stop the property from absorbing excess heat.

When you contact a roof insulation specialist, they will provide you with more details regarding the best types of roof insulation to suit your specific property.

The benefits of investing in roof insulation

Investing in roof insulation can offer a wide range of impressive benefits, including:

Energy efficiency

• Roof insulation reduces the amount of heat that your property loses (which is especially important during the winter) and the heat gain of your property (which is key in the summer). This will enable your property to become significantly more energy efficient.

Cost savings

• Plus, this improved energy efficiency will lead to significant savings on your heating and cooling bills. Over time, these savings will repay the initial investment of the insulation (and then some).

Increasing the value of your property

• As a result of these benefits, buyers look for roofing insulation in potential properties. So, this investment is a great way to improve the desirability of your home, and increase its resale value.

Temperature regulation

• Roof insulation helps to regulate property temperatures, making it more comfortable throughout the year.

Improving sustainability

• Due to its dramatic improvements in energy efficiency, roof insulation is a fantastic way for you to improve your impact on the environment.

In order to ensure that your roof insulation unlocks all of these benefits, in full, it is always best to consult with a professional roof insulation specialist. They will work with you to identify the best possible type of insulation for your property, and then install it to the highest possible standards.

The team at Stapleford Roofing are experts roofing contractors and roof repair specialists, if you need roofing repairs, or want a new roof for an extension or new build, contact our team for a quote.