Insulating your roof is an effective way to reduce your heating bills and heat loss in your home. If well installed, roof insulation can service your home for many years. Therefore, be careful before purchasing roof insulation because a well-insulated roof can increase your home’s value.
This guide will discuss some of the best roof insulation and the factors to consider before buying the material.
Types of Insulation
Rigid insulation boards
Rigid Insulation Boards are made from thick sheets of closed-cell forms. They include polystyrene, polyurethane and polyiso. You can utilize the boards virtually anywhere in your home, from the basement, roofs, living spaces and attic spaces.
There are three main types of rigid foam insulation boards. They are:
- Extruded Polystyrene(XPS) – It’s usually pink or blue and covered with plastic. In addition, it’s water-resistant. However, it deteriorates with time if it is overexposed. It is also highly flammable.
- Expanded Polystyrene(ESP) – It’s a good option for homeowners under a tight budget.
- Polyisocyanurate – it’s the most expensive option of the three as it comes with an extra coating of foil that acts as a radiant barrier.
There is a variety of rigid insulation boards, However, they differ in:
- The brand – There are various brands in the market like Kingspan, Mannok, Danosa and Celotex.
- Thermal conductivity – They range between 0.022W/mK – 0.036W/mK.
- Thickness – They range between 20mm – 42.5mm
- Length – They range between 1250mm – 2400mm
- Width – They range between 600mm – 1200mm
- Material type – They can either be Polisyo, XPS, EPS, Phenolic or PIR
Choosing the best depends on the type, age, space and location of your house.
Spray form insulation
It is the most common and effective type of insulation. Polyurethane spray form effectively seals all cracks. Additionally, it’s heat and wind-resistant. When purchasing the spray form, it’s essential to differentiate between low-density open-cell spray form and high-density closed-cell spray form.
Low-density open-cell spray form
An open-spray form is often used as a sound insulator than a heat insulator. This is because the cells are intentionally left open for flexibility. In addition, it blocks and reduces airflow, allowing moisture through, thus reducing build-up due to condensation.
High-density closed-cell spray form
Closed-cell spray forms are better heat insulators because the cells are closed together, making the substance hard and stable, slowing down heat movement. Unfortunately, the tight cell closure creates a moisture barrier. So, after installation, you need to ensure that the room is well-ventilated to avoid condensation or dampness.
Most people consider spray form insulation because it leaves enough space in the attic area to be used as a storage room. However, there are different brands in the market, and thus their cost varies. For example:
Foambeak can and box
Foambeak has an insulation nozzle. Although it appears easy to use, only professionals and trained installers can handle the product as it releases potentially harmful fumes. So, after application, the insulated area should not be accessed for at least 24 hours.
Furthermore, before purchasing a spray form, ensure to:
- Identify any issues in your home and how to solve them.
- Conduct an assessment checklist on your home concerning condensation.
- Do a U-Value calculation to show you how well your house is insulated.
Loose-fill insulation
This type of insulation is appropriate for areas that are hard to access. It can either be made of cellulose or fibreglass. Use a long flexible tube to access the hard-to-reach areas during the application.
Loose-fill insulation come in a bag, and you can pour out the insulation to lay them. Although it’s a relatively easy task, you need to be well prepared.
The most recommended brand for loose-fill insulation is the ThermoFloc loose-fill cellulose insulation.
A bag of ThermoFloc loose-fill insulation
This bag is only available in 12kgs, which can be broken into a light and fluffy consistency before its application. When installing, it’s essential to put on a dirt mask. Notably, when storing, you can only lay the ThermoFloc bag horizontally.
Pros of ThermoFloc cellulose loose-fill insulation
- It’s durable – It does not degrade when subjected to extreme temperatures making it a good option for cold areas.
- It does not pose any health risk as it’s made out of paper, primarily recycled newspaper, and thus is environmentally friendly.
Cons of ThermoFloc cellulose loose-fill insulation
- It’s highly flammable because it is made from paper.
Blanket Insulation
This is the most common type of insulation material found in most houses. When purchasing, measure the area of your roof to ensure you buy the approximate size as they come in different widths. Confident DIYers can easily lay the insulation as most manufacturing companies offer a user manual to ensure they are well-fitted and functional.
An excellent example of blanket insulation is the SuperFoil SF40BB insulation roll.
A rolled super foil blanket
This insulation material is high-performance and breathable, offering you exceptional value for your money. It has many radiant barrier foil layers that protect against heat loss and acts as a vapour barrier. Additionally, it can control air leakage, therefore, achieving the highest levels of energy efficiency.
Key Features
- It provides a reflective radiant barrier that keeps you cool during summer and warm in winter.
- You can use it independently or with any other form of insulation to achieve any U-value.
- It’s ideal for use in walls and roof structures for new buildings, extensions and refurbishment projects.
- It can easily fit with minimal wastage
- 40% of the insulation is made from recycled materials.
- It’s BBA certified, with an R-value of 3.58 on a roof (pitched or flat).
Benefits
- It’s a 3-in-1 – It acts as an insulation, radiant barrier and breather membrane.
- It’s easy to handle as it’s flexible and lightweight.
- It reduces condensation, preventing rot or dampness.
Factors to consider before purchasing an insulation material
- Health safety
Before buying an insulation material, consider the materials used by the manufacturer. This is because some insulation can be hazardous, especially for people with respiratory problems.
- Fire resistance
You should install an insulation material that does not put your home at risk of becoming an accelerant in case of a fire breakout. Again, during installation, ensure that you don’t cover any cables that can heat up and cause a fire.
- Maintenance
Although durable, insulation materials need to be maintained regularly; ensure to do prior research on how to care for the insulation material you’ve chosen to allow it to work effectively.
- Type of insulation
Insulation materials vary with the type of your house, its age, and location. Your installer can advise you on the most cost-effective material to choose from for your home. For example, the UK has some of the best historic buildings globally, which others are residential buildings. They require special attention during installation because of their delicate nature.
Additionally, Newport, Shropshire is the coldest place in England while areas like Cambridge, London or the Isles of Scilly experience warmer weather. So, the type of insulation will vary depending on where you live.
- The insulation Company
Before getting an installer, it’s essential to do prior research, like reading reviews on its website and ensuring they are licensed and insured. Then, again, look at the company’s track record for you to get an idea of what to expect.
- The cost
Some insulation materials are more costly than others; therefore, do market research on the type of insulation you want to ensure that the installation process runs smoothly.
In conclusion, it’s advisable to seek the service of a certified roof insulator installer to ensure that your roof is well insulated. This way, you will reap the maximum benefits of having roof insulation like saving on energy bills.
