Does Roof Insulation Lose R-Value Over Time?
Roof insulation just like any other roofing product will deteriorate over time. However, the period it takes for insulation material to lose its R-value depends on a number of reasons. If you are a property owner looking for ways to make your roof last long, this article is for you.
Yes! Roof insulation will lose its R-value over time, due to age, compression, moisture and many other reasons.
This article will briefly discuss what is R-Value and how it is crucial when it comes to a building’s insulation. What affects the R-value of the insulation and how can you make your insulation durable?
What is R-Value?
In the building and construction industry, R-value is a measure of thermal resistance. It is the capacity of a material to resist heat flow and is expressed in units of thermal resistance or the reciprocal of thermal conductance.
Higher R-value indicates better insulation and is desirable in the construction of homes and buildings, as it reduces energy consumption. The R-value of a material depends on its thickness, density, and conductivity, and can be calculated by dividing the thickness of the material by its thermal conductivity.
In building codes and energy standards, R-values are used to set minimum requirements for the insulation of walls, roofs, foundations, and other components of a building’s envelope.
Reasons Why Roofing Insulation Loses Its R-Value
In this section, we’ll explore the factors that can potentially cause roof insulation to lose its R-value over time.
Compression
Insulation materials are designed to maintain their shape and volume over time. However, if the insulation is subjected to excessive weight or pressure, it can be compressed, reducing its R-value. Turns out roof insulation may lose its R-value due to compression.
Softer roofing materials are prone to compressions, such as fibreglass or cellulose.
To avoid compression of roof insulation, it’s important to ensure that the insulation is installed properly and that it is not subjected to excessive weight or pressure.
This might include avoiding the use of heavy objects on top of the insulation, such as storage boxes or furniture. Furthermore, accumulated water or snow may add to the weight too.
Moisture Damage
Another factor decreasing the R-value of roof insulation is moisture. If the insulation becomes damp, it can lose some of its effectiveness at resisting heat flow. This can happen due to roof leaks, condensation, etc.
To prevent moisture damage to roof insulation, it’s important to ensure that there are no leaks in any part of the roofing system. It’s also essential to properly install the insulation. Roof ventilation also plays an important role in avoiding condensation and moisture.
Age
All insulation materials will eventually degrade over time, and this can lead to a decrease in R-value. However, this process typically occurs very slowly, and most insulation materials are designed to last for decades.
To retain your roof’s R-value for a long time, it’s important to choose high-quality insulation materials and to have them installed correctly.
Regular inspections and roof maintenance can also extend the life of the insulation and ensure that it continues to perform at its best.
How To Increase The Lifespan Of Roofing Insulation?
Several factors can affect the lifespan of roof insulation, and taking steps to address these factors can help to extend the life of the insulation and maintain its effectiveness.
Proper Maintenance
Regular maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of roofing insulation. This includes an inside-out through inspection followed by regular maintenance.
It’s also important to repair any major damage to any part of the roof as soon as possible. As the whole roof is a big interlinked system and damage to one part affects the working and the entire roof.
Use Of Moisture Barriers
Moisture can damage insulation and reduce its effectiveness, so it’s important to take steps to protect your roof from moisture.
Using moisture barriers on your roof can be a start. As they effectively stop leaked or condensed water from coming in contact with the crucial layers of your roof that includes insulation.
Add More Insulation
Increasing the thickness of the insulation can increase its ability to prevent heat transfer, which can help to extend its lifespan.
This can be done by adding additional layers of insulation on top of the existing insulation, or by replacing the existing insulation with a material that has a higher R-value.
However, hire a professional roofer to take a look at your roof before.
Use A Reflective Barrier
A reflective barrier, such as a foil-faced insulation product, can reflect heat away from the roof and reduce heat transfer through the insulation.
This can help to reduce the load on the insulation and extend its lifespan.
Conclusion
We hope this article successfully offers information about the insulation of your roof and the importance of maintaining it to retain its R-value. If you have any further questions related to roof insulation or any other aspect of roofing, feel free to drop a comment below.
Also, if you need a professional roofing team to take care of your roofing issue, contact us Anytime!
Leak-Stop 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!