Patch Up The Gaps And Holes
You might notice certain holes on the roof. These might appear from the screws and nails in the plywood support beams. Youll now have to fill up any gaps or holes you see in the roof.
You can use sheet metal to cover the area. Then caulk the sheet metal, like how youd caulk baseboard to tile, and press the shingles down. Or you can even use roofing cement and fill it in with a putty knife.
Patching up these gaps will ensure a leak-free roof. But if its not sealed properly, it might hinder the insulation system.
Pros Of Structural Insulated Panels
Durable and stable – SIPs are often used as a replacement for wood frames and can handle dead loads up to 10 pounds per square foot and live loads up to 70 pounds per square foot.
Energy-efficient – The oriented strand boards holding the foam together are made from underutilized and less expensive trees. And thanks to its air sealing qualities and high thermal resistance, SIPs control heat flow well, preventing the need to overuse energy.
Air Barrier And A Service Cavity
Below the rafters, the air barrier will contain the cellulose insulation, followed by strapping and drywall.
Vapor-permeable air barrier. The Siga Majrex is rolled out and cut on the floor, and then lifted up and installed perpendicular to the rafters.
Tape and strapping next. All of the seams are sealed with Siga Rissan tape designed for the Majrex membrane, including the flap at the bottom where the air barrier emerges from the top plate.
Ready for drywall. The insulation subs cut small slits in the air barrier to fill the bays top to bottom, the team circles back to tape them off, and the drywall subs move in.
Josh Salinger is founder and CEO of Birdsmouth, a design-build firm in Portland, Ore. Photos by Asa Christiana.
From Fine Homebuilding #299
Read Also: How Much To Repair A Trailer Roof
Radiant Barrier Spray Metal Roof Insulation
A stark reality might be happening in a few decades later when it comes to energy usage. In order to reduce energy usage, you may need such an effective insulation layer to wrap your home yet prevent any unnecessary issues up there. On the other hand, if you do it properly, you can definitely reduce energy loss.
Pairing a reflective insulator with a layer of radiant barrier will help to make your home always feels comfortable without consuming a high level of energy. Also, you can save a huge amount on electricity bills.
No matter it is an office or a home, a layer of metal roof insulation will give you a lot of benefits. The layer can be installed over the existing shingles, new roof decking, or simply over open rafters.
Adding the metal roof insulation can be done easily when you renovate your house. You will need to hire some well-trained roofing insulation experts to make a more energy efficient home. Or you may also consider metal roofing over rigid insulation details even though it might be a bit pricier.
From all the roofing materials we have explained above, you are in charge of choosing which one is the best one and most suitable for your building. Other than that, some people also consider the financial thing before choosing one of them. In the end, this is anything you need to know when it comes to metal roof insulation.
Need To Add Roof Insulation
To help you determine your options and next steps, contact our team today for an evaluation of your current roofing system and an estimate. To get started, simply fill out our online form or give us a call at 763-314-0234, and a member of our team will get back to you shortly!
Remember, fall is a great time to inspect, repair, and update your roof before the long winter months ahead. Take this time to get your roof in optimal condition with help from All Elements, Inc.
Recommended Reading: How To Add A Gable Overhang
How Do You Insulate A Flat Roof
Insulating a flat roof is relatively simple in terms of what materials you need, and the steps taken to complete the job.
Spray Foam For Inaccessible Areas
There might be a couple of areas on the roof that might be hard to reach. An example might be the corners in the attic with slanting or vaulted ceilings. To insulate these portions, youll need to use spray foam insulation.
It might be hard for you to find the best spray foam. But we got you! Here are some of the most recommended spray foam insulation:
| Product 1 |
| Product 2 |
You can use these without a doubt!
You can buy a kit for this spray foam insulation. They come with a user manual to guide you more precisely. You can use this all over the roof.
When youre insulating those difficult corners, youll need a drill machine. Use it to make one to two inches opening on the plywood. And then spray through that hole!
Don’t Miss: How Much Does It Cost To Shingle A Roof
Install By Using Staples
Using staples will allow you to install the insulation easily and quickly. You can easily install several sheets of the insulation in only a few minutes without worrying about the security.
Staples will also allow you to get a strong attachment without leaving a big hole yet easy to remove them when a repair is needed.
Pros Of Cellulose Loose
No health concerns – Made up of paper and sometimes recycled newspaper, cellulose insulation is environmentally friendly and does not pose any health concerns.
More durable – Unlike fiberglass, cellulose does not degrade or lose its R-value over time in extreme temperatures, making it a better option for colder climates.
Also Check: How Much Does A Roof Cost In California
New Ibc Rules For Insulation In Unvented Enclosed Roof Framing Assemblies
Figure 5:
The values in Table 1203.3 must be used in conjunction with the total R-value required in IECC. Also, this provision does not presume or exclude a vapor retarder applied to the top of the roof deck. Some roof assemblies with split insulation require project-specific analysis using hygrothermal computer modeling software to predict whether a vapor retarder should be included on the structural deck or not.
5.1.3. Where both air-impermeable and air-permeable insulation are provided, the air-impermeable insulation shall be applied in direct contact with the underside of the structural roof sheathing in accordance with Item 5.1.1 and shall be in accordance with the R-values in Table 1203.3 for condensation control. The air-permeable insulation shall be installed directly under the air-impermeable insulation.
Figure 6:
: Where both air-impermeable and air-permeable insulation are below the roof deck, the air-impermeable insulation must be tight against the roof deck. The minimum amount of air-impermeable insulation required is listed in Table 1203.3. The air-permeable insulation must be tight to the underside of the air-impermeable insulation . The need for a vapor retarder in this assembly is discussed in Item 4 above.
Figure 7:
Note the 2015 IBC errata issued on November 16, 2015, changes the text in Item 5.2 from air-permeable to air-impermeable.
Exceptions
How To Add Cape Cod Attic Insulation: Spray Foam The Knee Wall Or Roof Deck
Theres more than one way to cook an egg.
Theres also more than one way to add Cape Cod attic insulation, specifically when were talking about spray foam.
Most of the time when I go into a Cape Cod house the homeowner has a complaint that the upstairs is too hot or too cold. When I go up to check out the attic, theres either no insulation or the old insulation they have is falling down off the rafters.
A Cape Cod home has a unique build. This style is where the cold air soaks into the house through that knee wall in the second story and attic area.
So, the options a homeowner has is to spray the roof deck or the knee wall to create an air seal. That air seal is going to keep that air from getting inside the home making the attic and second floor too hot or too cold.
Don’t Miss: Where Do The Screws Go On A Metal Roof
Cons Of Structural Insulated Panels
Vulnerable to moisture – Although SIPs are durable, they are not designed to get wet. They require some sort of vapor barrier or exterior sheathing that will protect them from moisture.
Requires a professional – SIPs are available in different sizes, but some that are larger in size require a crane with a professional installer.
Why You Should Insulate The Roof Deck
Roofing is a crucial part of any building. And many builders will put a lot of focus on finding a durable roofing material that will withstand the elements and whatever use the building may need for it. Unfortunately, while an emphasis on the quality of roofing is important, an equally important facet is often overlookedthe application of insulation below the roof deck.
Multi-Faceted BenefitsMost people will agree that insulation is important to any building. And with reports coming in that most homes and buildings are technically underinsulated, a bigger push has been made in recent years to insulate walls, floors, ceilings and upper stories of buildings to increase energy efficiency. When including plans for insulation, however, its important not to overlook the underside of the roof deck as an important area not only for the improvement of energy efficiency, but for the protection of the roof itself.
When you insulate the underside of the roof deck, youre essentially preventing the transfer of heat between the buildings interior and the roof. This barrier has a positive cascading effect on many parts of the building.
Finally, this heat transfer doesnt just occur during the warmer months of the year. During the winter, when snow covers the roof, rising heat from the building below can cause the roof to heat up. This escaping heat not only lowers the energy efficiency of the building, raising energy bills, it also causes the snow to melt.
Recommended Reading: Metal Roof Skylight
Polyurethane Spray Foam Metal Roof Insulation
In order to add moisture barrier under metal roof, you can spray the undersides of the roof by using a thick layer of polyurethane spray foam. It will help you to eliminate problems that may come when the house becomes extremely cold in the winter and terribly hot in the summer.
Since this thing is something that can be sprayed, the foam will get and penetrate into the gaps and crevices to make a complete seal. As a result, any thermal leakage can be prevented since day one.
Read also : How to Insulate Under Metal Roof Panels ?
The spray can be basically applied on top or bottom of the metal roofing surfaces. Compared to the fiberglass batts, this insulation is much better. Financially speaking, this spray is a great option especially when you need to renovate your roof after the application. The insulation capacity of a 10cm thickness of batts is as same as 10cm of polyurethane foam.
Insulate Ceiling Or The Roof What Works Better
Properly insulating a home is a critical step in keeping the roof from accruing damage and saving energy costs. You may be faced with the choice of insulating either the ceiling or the roof. How do you know which is best for your home?
Should you insulate the ceiling or the roof? Which one works better? Your number one priority should be insulating your ceiling for a number of reasons including:
- Keeping the temperature of your living space regulated
- Saving energy costs by preventing heat loss due to heat conduction
- Preventing the roof from accumulating moisture damage
- Ease of construction- insulating the ceiling can be easier than insulating the roof, particularly with older homes
There is a set of circumstances in which it makes more sense to insulate the roof, such as in the case that your attic happens to be part of your living space. Here we will compare the methods most commonly used to insulate the roof and ceiling of your home.
What is the Difference Between Ceiling Insulation and Roof Insulation
Before we get started on discussing which insulation method is the best, we need to clarify terms.
- Roof insulation refers to the practice of installing insulation on the roof slope, both above and below the rafters.
- Ceiling insulation refers to any type of insulation installed within the floor nearest to the roof structure of the home.
Ceiling Insulation
Either way, the addition of insulation to your attic floor is a simple DIY project.
Insulating the Roof
To summarize:
You May Like: Adding Gable Overhang To Existing Roof
How To Install Insulation In A Flat Roof With A Concrete Deck: Warm Deck Construction
1. Apply a layer of screed over the concrete deck and allow to dry fully.
2. Install a vapour control layer over the screeded concrete deck. A polyethylene sheet of a minimum 1,000 gauge is suitable for use and should be fitted with 150mm sealed laps turned up at any vertical upstand.
3. Lay the Mannok roof insulation boards on top of the vapour control layer with joints staggered between rows.
4. Apply the appropriate mechanical fixings or using hot bitumen. Generally, a minimum of 4 fixings should be used per 1200 x 600mm board, but this should be calculated in accordance with BS EN 1991- 14 to be site specific. Fixings should be placed 50150mm from the edges of the board with an additional row of fixings along the middle of the board. Refer to the relevant product BBA Certificate for product specific fixing requirements.
To avoid thermal bridging, the roof insulation should meet the wall insulation with no gaps.
5. Install the waterproofing layer over the fixed insulation boards.
Do I Need To Insulate My Aluminum Patio Roof
Your aluminum roof will mean it absorbs a lot of heat from the sun. Instead of cooling you down, your wonderfully constructed patio roof will feel like a sauna! If you want a solution for that, insulation is the way to go!
This insulation will keep the area under your patio roof cool. Your concrete pads underneath wont overheat, similar to your shower cable overheating. Not insulating might damage your wirings. This is because some of these wires are very sensitive to heat.
It is ideal to insulate your aluminum patio roof!
Read Also: Cost To Install Trusses
Cons Of Rigid Insulation Boards
Comes with a fire retardant – Most foam insulation boards are made with a chemical flame retardant. Despite its fire resistance, The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says these retardants can cause serious health effects like cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Easily damaged – When exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, UV rays can cause damage to the rigid foam.
What Is The Thinnest Insulation With The Highest R
Thermablok® AerogelThermablok® Aerogel is a revolutionary advancement in thermal technology offering the thinnest insulation available to prevent thermal and cold bridging. Classed as a Super Insulation, Aerogel has the highest insulation value of any known material with the lowest thermal conductivity value of any solid .
Read Also: Roof Cost California
How To Install Insulation In A Flat Roof With Timber Deck: Warm Deck Construction
1. Install the timber deck over the roof joists.
2. Lay the vapour control layer on top of the timber deck to prevent moisture getting to the insulation.
3. Fit the Mannok insulation boards with joints staggered between rows on top of the vapour control layer.
4. Fix the insulation boards using the appropriate mechanical fixings, which should be assessed in line with BS EN 1991- 14 to take account of building location, geometry and topographical data. As a general rule a minimum of 4 fixings should be used per 1200 x 600mm board. Fixings should be placed 50150mm from the edges of the board with an additional row of fixings along the middle of the board.
5. Ensure the insulation boards extend to meet the wall insulation tightly to eliminate thermal bridging.
6. Install the waterproofing layer above the insulation boards.
Unvented Conditioned Attic With Spray Foam Insulation Below Roof Deck
Insulate the attic or roof of a new home by installing spray polyurethane foam insulation – either open cell or closed cell – on the underside of the roof deck.
- Design and construct a roof /attic assembly with no vents.
- Install spray polyurethane foam insulation in the roof cavity to levels that meet or exceed the current adopted building and energy codes.
- Install thermal or ignition barrier over spray polyurethane foam insulation if necessary based on the material properties of the spray polyurethane foam or as required by code. Note that not all spray polyurethane foams require thermal or ignition barriers.
- Seal any penetrations from the home into the attic through the attic floor.
- Provide conditioning, dehumidification, or controlled ventilation to the attic.
- Ensure the home has good ventilation.
Unvented conditioned attics and roofs with spray foam insulation applied to the underside of the roof deck have been used since the mid-1990s. Open-cell spray polyurethane foam or closed-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation is sprayed along the underside of the roof sheathing to provide an unvented insulated and conditioned attic space or roof assembly that can be resilient, durable, and efficient in all climate zones. Unvented insulated attics can provide a tempered space for HVAC equipment, conditioned storage space, and living space within the conditioned boundary of the building enclosure .
Figure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3.Figure 1.
Read Also: Metal Roof Gable Overhang
