5+ Types Of Roof Insulations: (Expert’s Advice On How To Pick The Best One)

Every year an average homeowner can save up to 15% on their energy bill with proper roof insulation, predicts Environmental Protection Agency. While building new construction or renovating the existing one. The topic of roof insulation is often set on the back burner. If you are a property owner looking to explore the world of roof insulations and trying to pick a perfect one for your property you’ve come to the right place.

There are several types of roof insulations; Glasswool insulation, Cellulose Insulation, Sheep’s wool insulation, Rockwool Insulation, and Polyester insulation are some popular options.

 Moreover, there is more to roof insulation than just picking the right one. In this article, we dive into what roof insulation is, its advantages & necessity along with the pros and cons of each insulation type.

What Is Roof Insulation?

Roof insulation is a material that is used to insulate the space between the innermost layer of the roof from its exterior. It maintains the temperature of a building/home in different seasons.

Why Is Roof Insulation Necessary? (It’s Advantages)

Did you know, in summer, heat doesn’t rise and escape through the attic? Instead, it’s trapped in your attic making it a stuffy place. In winter, however, heat easily escapes an uninsulated structure due to a drastic fall in the outer temperature. That’s when attic insulation or roof insulation plays a key role. One of the most important aspects of an energy-efficient home is good roof insulation.

Here are some advantages of insulating your home’s roof:

1. Reducing energy costs: Insulating a roof helps to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. Savings on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.

2. Increased Resell Value: A well-insulated roof saves potential buyers from going through the ordeal of installing proper roof insulation. This can be a major selling point if you wish to sell your home/property.
3. Increasing durability: A properly insulated roof can extend the lifespan of the roof by preventing moisture and temperature extremes from damaging the structure.
4. U.V. Resistant: Some attic insulation types are ultraviolet rays resistant. They prevent harmful rays from reaching the innermost roofing layers.

5. No More Molds: Some roof insulations also prevent mold growth.

6. Barrier From Elements: Roof insulation offers good mechanical strength to your roof, acting as a barrier from air, wind and even moisture.

What Is R-Value And Its Importance?

R-value is the ability of a particular type of insulation to resist heat. That is, trap the heat inside the structure during winter and keep it out in summer.

For the North American region, the minimum R-value needed to keep homes insulated ranges from R30 and goes up to R60. Property owners must pick insulation based on the R-value suitable to their location.

For example, people living in the warmer region can pick insulation with R-value as low as R30. Whereas, homeowners residing in cool areas can go as high as R60, depending upon the temperatures.

However, this required R-Value can be achieved by a single layer of insulation. Or by combining multiple layers of insulation adding up to the desired R-Value. Some property owners do not wish to insulate their roofs with a single type of insulation.

In such cases, the basic required R-Value for that particular region is calculated. And it is met by a combination of two or more layers of different types of roof insulations, whose individual R-Value adds up to reach the desired R-value.

To explain this concept further let’s take an example of batt pink fluffy insulation. Each layer of this insulation has an R-value of R15. Two layers of this insulation meet the need R-value of R-30.

A single layer of this insulation could also be clubbed with a layer of different insulation having a similar R-value to get to the required R-value of R30.

The Importance of the R-value lies in its ability to save energy and money, as well as improve comfort levels in a home. Not only will you cut power costs, but you’ll also enjoy a more comfortable home.

But keep in mind each manufacturer may have different insulation products with different R-values. These products may be designed to meet very specific roofing needs.

Different Types of roof Insulations:

 1. Glasswool insulation:

Glasswool insulation is a product that has been on the market for many years. It is made from recycled glass and is considered to be one of the most effective types of insulation.

Glasswool is available in a variety of thicknesses and densities, making it an ideal form of roof insulation. Plus, the latest types of glass wool insulation are itch-free and long-lasting.

Pros: 

• Glasswool is an effective insulation material. It has a high R-value, which means it can keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
• Glasswool is also fire resistant, so it prevents fire hazards.
• Makes your home soundproof to some extent, by absorbing noise.
• Recycling materials make fiberglass eco-friendly insulation material.

Cons: 

• The airtight seal is more difficult to achieve with fiberglass insulation than with other insulation materials.
• Glasswool may also absorb moisture, which can lead to mold growth if not properly ventilated

2. Polyester Insulation:

Polyester insulation is made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a common textile fiber. PET is a strong, durable fiber that is resistant to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkling. In addition, it is easy to maintain and care for.

Pros:

• Polyester is a cost-effective
• An insulating material that offers thermal and acoustic benefits
• An eco-friendly product

Cons:

• The cost is higher than that of glass wool
• Melts if exposed to open flames

3. Cellulose Insulation:

A large percentage of cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and other chemicals. These chemicals include boric acid, borax, and ammonium sulphate. Cellulose insulation has a high R-value, meaning it is effective at insulating homes and buildings where low temperatures are common.

Pros:

• It generally costs less than glass wool or fiberglass insulation.
• It can reduce landfill waste, as its eco-friendly.

Cons:

• Moisture is absorbed more easily by this material than by other types of insulation.
• Installation can be expensive.

4. Rockwool Insulation:

Rockwool can withstand extremely high temperatures. Also, Rockwool is noncombustible, meaning that it will not catch fire easily. Making it ideal for use in fire-prone areas.

Pros:

• A fire-resistant material
• Suitable for moist environments

Cons:

• The cost of bulk insulation is generally higher than that of other materials.
• It’s heavy and can only be supported by strong structural frames.

5. Sheep’s Wool Insulation:

Sheep’s wool traps air between its fibers, effectively slowing down the transfer of heat. Keeping homes warm during winter and cool in summer,

Compared to other insulation products, sheep wool batts are naturally crimped. So, they maintain their shape and stability over time. This makes it an ideal choice for a variety of insulation applications.

Pros:

• It’s Inflammable so it’s a good alternative to other types of roof insulations.
• Sheep Wool is completely bio-degradable, making it an environmentally friendly insulation option
• Its spectacular ability to absorb noise offers the property a semi-noise cancelling filter.

Cons:

• The fact that it comes from living animals explains why it’s so expensive.

Forms of Roof Insulation:

Batt Insulation:

Batts is a type of insulation made from different materials like fiberglass, cotton, or mineral wool. They come in pre-cut lengths that fit between the studs in your walls and provide basic insulation properties.

Rigid Board Insulation:

These boards are made from different materials, including polystyrene, polyurethane, and phenolic. Rigid board insulation is used in both residential and commercial construction to insulate walls, ceilings, and floors.

It has several benefits over other types of roof insulations, including its high R-value and its ability to provide a tight seal against air infiltration.

Spray foam insulation:

Spray foam insulation is sprayed on a surface to insulate it. This foamy substance expands and hardens, creating an insulation barrier. Thus, filling any gaps or cracks in the surface it is sprayed on.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs):

Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs, are a type of construction panels that provide both structural support and insulation. SIPs are made by sandwiching a layer of foam insulation between two layers of oriented strand board (OSB).

Blanket Roll Insulation:

Blanket Roll Insulation consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass, in the form of batts or rolls. It is often used in both residential and commercial applications. It is flexible, affordable, and effective to use.

Loose-fill insulation:

There are two primary types of loose-fill insulation: cellulose and fiberglass. (Both of these types are explained above in detail)

You can also read about ice damming on roof 

Conclusion:

Roof insulation is not just an additional branch of products in the roofing and construction sector. Rather it’s a necessity for your home. I hope you understand the importance of roof insulation through this article.

Several types of roof insulations products market themselves as “Do It Yourself (DIY)”. However, it’s best to always hire professional help to install or repair your roof insulations. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced roofing team to take care of your roof contact us TODAY!

LeakStop is a one-stop destination to meet your roofing-related requirements. We offer roof repair, replacement, maintenance, and inspection services all over GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District).

We offer a free inspection to first-time clients. Connect with us TODAY at 1 866 777 0084 for immediate assistance!