Why Is Insulating Your Roof or Attic Space So Important?
We all know that heat rises. So, it makes sense that a large fraction of a home’s heat would escape from the roof. That is, unless it’s insulated.
Just like the walls of your house, having your roof properly insulated is very important. Not only does it prevent your home from losing a ton of heat in the winter, it also helps keep your home cooler in the summer. If your roof is currently not insulated or you think you have damaged insulation, don’t be turned away by the cost of installing new insulation. The benefits of proper roof and attic insulation far outweigh the cost of installation.
Save Money and Increase Sustainability by Being More Energy Efficient
Reducing the amount of heat that escapes from your roof will allow your home to become more energy efficient. You will be able to lower your heat during the winter and therefore drive down the cost of your electricity bill. In the same vein, you’ll also be able to turn down your air conditioning during the summer. Over time, you will end up saving more money on your energy bill than you spent getting your roof insulated.
Saving money on your energy bill is already a reward in and of itself. Luckily, less energy consumption also means your home will be more sustainable.
Prevent Water Damage to Your Roof
Insulation can also help protect your roof from moisture-related problems such as ice damming. On an insufficiently insulated roof, heat escaping from the roof can cause the snow to melt and then refreeze near the gutters. This ice barrier then allows more water to be trapped on the roof, which leads to water damage over time. Having your roof properly insulated can prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.
What Types of Insulation Are Available?
There are several types of insulation that can be used on your roof. The most commonly used types are loose-fill insulation and batt-and-roll insulation, usually made with fiberglass. Other kinds of insulation include spray foam insulation, rigid foam boards, and radiant barriers. Of course, there are pros and cons to each kind.
Installing the Insulation
While in some instances, you can install roof insulation yourself, we highly recommend you hire a professional to do it for you. Hiring a professional is especially important if you have a flat roof, as those do better with exterior insulation rather than interior insulation. Another issue that would benefit from professional expertise is moisture in your attic. Certain kinds of insulation can increase the moisture in your attic due to a lack of ventilation. Installing baffles is a great way to solve this problem.
If you suspect your roof may have water damage or you wonder why your energy bill is so high, have us inspect your roof. We can figure out whether your insulation needs replacement. Addressing these kinds of problems early on can save you a lot of time and money. Contact us here or call 248-393-0055.
Sources:
https://reynoldsroofingsystems.com/should-roof-be-insulated/
https://www.roofingcalc.com/roof-attic-insulation-options-and-costs/