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Roof Insulation
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Roof insulation is fundamental when it comes to maintaining a comfortable environment within a home. Installing roof insulation can help reduce energy usage and therefore reduce monthly bills. It is used to improve a buildings energy efficiency. Installing insulation for roofs can keep internal temperatures controlled all year round, no matter the weather. Different installation types include pitched roof, rafter, and flat roof insulation.
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Insulation For Roof
A roof within the property is known to be responsible for an incredible 30-40% of heat loss. This is why roof insulation is an essential part of an energy efficient building. If you are looking for insulation for a roof, then discover our wide range of products on our website. Below are a handful of benefits of installing roof insulation.
Pros of Roof Insulation
- Roof insulation will lower your monthly heating and energy bills by reducing the warm air lost through the roof
- Reducing the levels of warm air leaving the property will improve your home's level of energy efficiency
- There are multiple application methods and insulation materials to choose from when insulating your roof to best suit your property
- Insulation will help to circulate the heat within your home and prevent hot air coming in
- When installed correctly the insulation will help to reduce condensation and damp risks as well as moisture-related issues
- Extends the lifespan of the roof when installed correctly
- Helps to provide protection for the property in extreme weather conditions
- Will reduce outside noise from rain and passing traffic
Cons of Roof Insulation
- Roof insulation can be tricky to install depending on the required method of application
- Roof insulation can be straining on older or structurally damaged properties
- Insulation materials can make it more challenging to identify leaks, which can mean long durations of leaks causing water damage
- If the roof should need repairing, working around insulation materials can add complexity and costs
- Roof insulation can be disruptive to install
- Some roof insulation materials can cause irritation to the skin and respiratory system
- Poor insulation can mean uneven roof temperatures, which can result in ice dams forming on the roof
- Ice dams can cause damage to the roof, shingles, and gutters
- If ventilation is not taken into account, then condensation can occur and over time lead to structural damage such as mould
Pitched roof insulation
Pitched roofs are best recognised for their sloping surface seen on many houses. They can be insulated using several techniques, however two in particular are the most popular choice among builders and architects, warm loft and cold loft insulation.
Warm Loft Insulation: Warm loft insulation is when insulation is installed under the roof in between the rafters, meaning both the loft and the roof is warm. This is the perfect method if using the area as a living or storage space.
Cold Loft Insulation: Cold loft insulation is when insulation is installed above the ceiling of the top storey, or the floor of the loft, so no heat from the home gets lost in the loft space. This can be a simple and effective option, particularly if you have no intention of using the loft space. This is also a cheaper alternative.
Pitched roof insulation is also known as rafter insulation. This form of insulation will keep the loft / roof space insulated without cutting into the space. This method of insulation involves installing insulation in between each rafter in the pitched roof space and sometimes applying an additional layer of insulation horizontally over the top. When converting a loft space into a room, insulation is essential to avoid the space over heating or reaching uncomfortably low temperatures.
Benefits of Pitched Roof Insulation
- Will make the space more comfortable, particularly if the space is to be used for a room
- Prevents air from the heating seeping through gaps in the roof
- Save on monthly energy bills
- Pitched roofs can be insulated with either rigid insulation boards, multifoil insulation, or flexible mineral wall slabs or rolls
- Insulation materials for a pitched roof are easy to cut which is particularly handy or larger buildings
- Required little to no maintenance in comparison to a flat roof and are longer lasting
- Pitched roofs will naturally drain away the rain
Disadvantages of Pitched Roof Insulation
- Small roof spaces can be hard to access and installing insulation can take longer and required specialist tools
- Requires accessing the property internally which can be disruptive and messy when it comes to cutting materials and removing old insulation if required
- When working on larger properties, installing insulation between every roof rafter can be extremely time consuming and therefore costly
- Pitched roof insulation can be extremely costly
Flat roof insulation
Flat roofs were often used on houses built in the 60s however have now become a staple of modern architecture. Flat roofs are also a very popular choice when it comes to extensions and garages. Depending on the design of the roof, you can either insulate below or above the roofs structural deck. Flat roofs require careful consideration to prevent issues with condensation and moisture. The two commonly used methods when it comes to flat roof insulation is warm roof insulation and cold roof insulation.
Cold Roof Insulation: Cold roof insulation is placed underneath the roofs structural deck in between the rafters. Cold roof insulation is often a cheaper option when insulating a flat roof but not as effective and includes a higher risk of condensation developing.
Warm Roof Insulation: Warm roof insulation is placed above the roofs structural deck and laid horizontally over the rafters and often beneath a waterproofing layer. Warm roof insulation can be pricier but more effective and has a lower risk of thermal bridging occurring.
Benefits of Flat Roof Insulation
- Flat roofs are quicker to construct than a pitched roof
- Flat roof insulation will not affect or eat into the space within the room
- External insulation means your living space is undisturbed
- Specially designed so that water does not pool and sit on the roof deck
- Great option for a new build, extension, or garage where height is restricted due to planning permission
- Flat roofs can be insulated from the external side of the roof and will not disturb the internal space
- Flat roofs can be insulated from the internal side of the roof which can be cheaper than rebuilding the entire roof
- Flat roofs are easy to access to install in the insulation
- Flat roofs are insulated using rigid high-quality insulation boards
Disadvantages of Flat Roof Insulation
- Flat roofs will require more maintenance that a pitched roof
- Flat roofs tend to have a lifespan of 20-30 years before they require maintenance or a new roof
- Higher risk of condensation forming due to the roof design
- Flat roof insulation is more limited when it comes to materials
Roof Insulation FAQs
What Materials Can Be Used for Roof Insulation?
There is no one perfect material when it comes to insulation your roof and the method of application and type of material you choose should depend solely on the requirements of your property. Materials that can be used within pitched roof installations are rigid foam, PIR insulation boards and mineral wool.
The key element that differentiates mineral wool and rigid boards is the materials form and texture and the thermal conductivity. Rigid insulation boards generally boast a much lower thermal conductivity than mineral wool, although that does not necessarily mean it’s the better choice.
How much does a new roof cost?
The cost of a new roof will be dependent on a number of factors such as materials, labour, roof size, and location. A key factor is the type of roof that needs replacing, flat roof or pitched roof. Depending on the type of roof, different insulation and building materials will be required. Additional expensed include roof removal, permits, structural repairs, and price fluctuations.
What is a Pitched Roof?
Typically, a pitched roof has a pointed peak and slopes downward on each side. Beneath the pitched roof is usually a loft space used for storage or a room-in-the-roof, in which case at least one side of the pitched roof will have a window installed. Larger properties may have more than one pitched roof.
How to Insulate a Flat Roof from the Inside?
Flat roofs can be insulated from the inside by removing the ceiling plasterboards and any materials that lies between the plasterboard and the timber joists. The insulation can then be cut to size and friction fit between the timber joists. A vapour control layer should then be installed horizontally over the joists followed by sheets of plasterboard.
Can Roof Insulation Cause Condensation?
Condensation forms when warm air meets cold surfaces. When humid or warm air comes into contact with a cold surface it will cool down rapidly and release water which will lead to water droplets forming on the cold surface.
Roof insulation will prevent warm air from reaching cold walls and ventilation will allow warm air to escape the building if it should reach the cold wall. However, if installed incorrectly, warm air can be trapped by insulation and will cause condensation to form. Remember, condensation is caused by a number of factors and cannot be prevented with insulation alone.
