A Guide to Choosing Roof Insulation
The heating or cooling of your home can be improved by insulation. Ceiling insulation works well in cooler climates and in hot climates, roofing insulation works better. Cold and hot climates, however, are experienced in many regions.
This is why some insulation products are designed with these factors in mind. There are many kinds of insulation you can buy in the market today and you can compare the different kinds before choosing the right one for your home. Every insulation has an R-value which you should consider. If the R-value is high, then it gives a better thermal performance.
There are two broad categories of roofs, the pitched roofs and the flat roofs. Apart from your personal needs, it is important to consider the type of roof you have when selecting the best roof insulation. It is recommended to get pitched roof insulation if you have a new roof, refurbishing your roof, or performing a loft conversion. You can install your insulation under and between rafters or over and between rafters.
There are many different types of pitched roof insulation including loft insulation, pitched roof sarking, between and over rafters, between rafters, and between and under rafters. With loft insulation, you save energy without compromising on living space. It is best to use pitched roof sarking in major refurbishment projects or new buildings.
This airtight construction helps eliminate problems of thermal bridging, providing efficient warm roof insulation over the rafters. As headroom, the between and over rafters come handy in insulating pitched roofs.
Even if tanks and water pipes are not insulated, this insulation creates a livable and warm roof space. Between rafters provide reliable long-term energy savings without the loss of internal headroom. If you want tominimize additional loading to your pitched roof with shallow rafters, use between and under rafter insulation.
There is a specific R-value ideal for your climate and location which you should know. The product’s total system R-value is important if you are considering reflective insulation. Another consideration would be your ceiling space which includes access and existing ceiling joints. Another factor to consider is the environmental impact posed by the insulation.
The method of manufacturing of the insulation material is important and you should also know whether sustainable or recycled materials are used for it. Health considerations take into account how the material will impact members of your household who may be suffering from asthma or allergies. If you have set a budget for insulation materials and the cost of installing them in your roof, then this also needs to be considered when you are choosing the best insulation for your roof, and one should consider whether the price of the insulation material and installation falls within the set budget.
