The Ultimate Roof Insulation Guide

While your roof provides the protective barrier against harsh weather conditions, it is your roof insulation that keeps your home warm and toasty. It is an important component of roof installation and maintenance. As a professional roofing company, we have a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable roofers on hand to advise you on the best roof insulation for your project. And, alongside this, our comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know to make the right choice.

What is roof insulation?

So, let’s start at the beginning – what is roof insulation? Essentially it is a barrier material that sits within your foo space and prevents hot air from evaporating out. It is normally installed as part of your roof construction and will help to keep heating bills regulated for your family. When fitted properly, it can help to reduce up to a quarter of heat loss in a household over the year. In this way, it will pay for itself over time and can be effective for a minimum of 40 years.

Different types of roof insulation?

There are several different types of roof insulation available on the market. The one you choose will depend on budget, roof space and the individual requirements of your property. Let’s look at the most common forms here.

Spray foam

This form of room insulation comes in a liquid form and is sprayed into its desired position. As it dried, the foam hardens and provides an effective insulation layer. Spray foam can be used on various surfaces including roofs, walls and floors if needed.

Pros

• Reduces your household energy bills significantly and helps to reduce your carbon footprint too.
• Soundproofing benefits.
• Supports the structure of your building.
• Moisture deterrent.
• Prevents temperature fluctuations.
• Minimises indoor allergens.
• Easy to install.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Long-lasting.

Cons

• Doesn’t always fill every cavity entirely.
• Can shrink in some high-temperature environments.
• Requires professional installation.
• Costly.

Rigid Foam Insulation Boards

Commonly found in loft conversions, these insulation boards are fixed between each of the rafters. They are cut-to-size and covered with insulated plasterboard. Each one is available in several thicknesses up to 2” and can be found within 3 main categories – PIR/PUR boards, Phenolic boards and EPS boards.

Pros

• One of the best solutions for reducing heat loss.
• Some types are water-resistant.
• Easy to install.
• Can be fitted quickly.
• Eco-friendly options are available.

Cons

• Must be fitted tightly to prevent air loss.
• Joins should be taped over.
• Can be damaged by UV rays if not properly stored.
• Air bubbles within certain types can attract moisture.
• Time intensive process and therefore, expensive.

Blanket Insulation

One of the most common options on our list, this form of insulation is sold in rolls. These are unravelled and packed down between the joists in your roof. These rolls are made up of hundreds of flexible fibreglass fibres that interlace to create a sheet. They can be cut to size and applied on most roof types.

Pros

• Suitable for a wide and varied range of property types.
• Easy to install.
• Very affordable – one of the cheapest options available on the market.
• Can be manufactured from eco-friendly materials such as sheep’s wool or cotton.

Cons

• Not as durable as other alternatives on the market.
• Has a lower R-value than other options so you may need a significant layer.

Loose-fill insulation

Made up of lots of tiny fibre, foam and other material particles, loose-fill insulation is ideal for roofs with limited access. You use a specialist tool to blow these fire-retardant materials into your roof cavities. This process can also be used to top up existing insulation that isn’t performing at its best.

Pros

• Won’t reduce the space within a roof cavity.
• Good at holding heat within a home.
• Fire-retardant.
• Pest-resistant.
• Mid-range options.
• Lots of choice for materials.

Cons

• A very messy insulation process.
• Needs to be applied by a professional to work.
• Susceptible to water absorption.
• Requires additional venting and an air seal.
• Can only be applied in specific areas around the home.

Where is it used in a property?

The most common place you’re likely to find insulation in your home is in the roof – primarily within the loft space. This is due to heat rising, making the upper sections of your home the prime spot for heat loss. You’ll also find insulation in the following places:

• Attic.
• Roof.
• All exterior walls.
• Any room above a cold spot – (e.g unheated garage).
• Around specific windows

Many people also choose to insulate their garages to prevent moisture build-up. Whether you keep your car, bike or garden essentials in this space, a built-up of condensation can cause significant damage over time. This space is commonly the place that cools down the fastest during colder months and requires adequate insulation and ventilation to minimise this risk.

We have also worked on insulation projects, focusing on crawl spaces and ceilings to keep workspaces comfortable at all times.

How much insulation do I need?

The amount of insulation your specific roof needs will depend on the material you’re using and the space of your lift. However, there are some general rules out there for specific types, such as blanket-style insulation. According to USwitch, a recommended depth of between 250mm and 270mm is recommended to achieve adequate results. Speak to a professional roofing contractor, such as the team here at Industrial Roofing Services, to understand the scope of your unique project and ensure you have the right materials for the job.

Over the years, we have worked with hundreds of clients to fit reliable, cost-effective and long-lasting insulation within their buildings. We only use the highest quality products and can tailor our services to suit your needs. If you would like to discuss any of the information you have read here today or want to talk about your project, please feel free to get in contact with a member of our team today.