Why Insulate Your Roof?
In areas where temperatures are very cold, insulate roof is a vital step in ensuring that your home stays warm and comfortable. Having a properly insulated roof prevents heat from escaping through the ceiling and walls, saving you money in energy costs. It also helps reduce the strain on heating and cooling systems, and therefore, your carbon footprint.
Roof insulation also protects the roof from harsh weather conditions that could otherwise damage it. It stops hot air from rising, reducing the impact of snow on the roof and therefore ice dams. These dams can lead to moisture, which in turn can cause damage not only to the roof but throughout the whole building. Having a well-insulated roof and protecting it from harsh conditions, will extend the life of your roof and protect your property for years to come.
How to Insulate Your Roof: Step-by-Step Instructions
Whether your roof is pitched (also known as a sloping or vaulted ceiling) or flat, there are many options available to insulate it. The type of insulation you choose will depend on your climate, space availability and access, the use of the room that is above the loft or roof and a variety of other factors.
The R-value of your insulation will dictate its performance and ability to stop heat from escaping or entering your property. The R-value is a measure of the thermal resistance, with higher values indicating greater performance. Several types of insulation can be used to insulate a roof, including fiberglass batt blankets, loose-fill or blown-in insulation, and gypsum or perlite cover boards.