Ways Your Roof Can Help You Save Energy
August 2, 2021 by Jack Polk
Your roofing system works to provide superior weather protectionbut it can actually do so much more for your home. With the right considerations, your roof can also help you keep energy costs to a minimum. But how exactly does it make this possible? The trusted expert in residential roofing service, Polk Contracting, Inc. answers that here.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Mineral Wool Insulation Some Of The Disadvantages Include:
- It can be dusty and itchy when installing, so you will need to wear a mask and gloves.
- The fibers can also become airborne and cause respiratory problems if you are not careful.
- It is not resistant to moisture, so it can become moldy if it gets wet.
- The installation process can be a little bit tricky, so you might need help from a professional contractor.
Roof Ventilation Is Essential To A Durable And Well
Excess moisture and heat in the attic quickly destroy roofs. Moisture gets into your homes attic from everyday activities like taking a shower, boiling water, and running a humidifier. If that moisture cant get out of the attic, it will cause havoc such as molded insulation, rotted roof deck and premature shingle deterioration. Heat causes shingles to cup and curve. It dries out the asphalt and makes it brittle, so it cracks easily.
There are several key ventilation points in any attic that allow excess heat and humidity to be vented.
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Vent Attics And Crawlspaces
Since home insulation changes the way attics and crawlspaces breathe, its critical that you maintain or install proper ventilation . At first, it seems odd to add insulation for warmth and then purposely create ventilation holes for cold air to enter. But if you dont do this, youre setting yourself up for moisture problems.
When you add insulation to attic rafters and attic floors, its important to maintain at least a 1-in. continuous air space between insulation and roof sheathing, from eaves to ridge. This air space flushes out moisture. It also helps maintain a cold roof, which prevents ice dams from forming in the winter and excessive heat from damaging shingles and increasing cooling costs in the summer. The biggest mistake homeowners make with installation is to install it so it blocks the flow of air at the eaves. The best way to avoid this problem is to install inexpensive air chutes to keep the space open.
What Can I Do To My Roof To Save On Energy Costs
Did you know that nearly half of the money you spend on utility bills goes toward heating and cooling your home ? In many American homes, energy costs are literally going through the roof. Your roof is your first — and best — defense against the summer heat and the winter chill. A low-efficiency, poorly insulated roof can let in too much heat in the summer, leaving you with huge air conditioning bills. It can also let off too much warmth in the winter, leading to astronomical heating costs.
Spending a little bit of money on a good roof now can save you a lot on heating and cooling bills in the long run. An energy-efficient roof not only protects you from the elements, but it also keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Energy-efficient materials are also able to withstand the constant bombardment of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, extending the life of your roof.
The most energy-efficient roofing products have a high solar reflectance, meaning that they reflect the sun’s energy back into the environment, rather than absorbing it. Reflective roofs can reduce the temperature on the surface of the roof by as much as 30 percent — which means that less heat gets into your home . The most energy-efficient roofs also have high emittance, which means they’re efficient at releasing any solar heat they have absorbed.
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Roof Insulation Basics: Upgrading Roof Insulation Diy Tips
There are two reasons homeowners want to make their homes greener some people want to go green to protect the environment. Others will go green because it results in more green dollar bills in their wallet.
Fortunately, the two dont have to be exclusive you can protect the environment and save money at the same time. A big way to do so is to make sure that you have adequate insulation and ventilation for your roof and the attic space.
Heat rises, and that means most of the heat loss from your home goes out the top of the house. This is especially true if you dont have adequate insulation and sealing in your attics floor space. To make sure your home is as comfortable as possible, to ensure minimal heat loss, to save money on your heating bills, and to help protect the environment, an upgrade in your insulation is in order.
Stop Ice Dams With Adequate Attic Insulation
The right amount of insulation in the attic reduces energy loss and the cost of running the HVAC system. Adequate insulation will prevent ice dams when there is snow on the roof.
In winter, your attic should be as cold as the outside air. When heat from your home rises through the roof because the attic lacks sufficient insulation , snow on the roof melts. Water runs down the roof to the unheated eaves where it freezes. An ice dam forms that prevents run-off. Additional water backs up under the shingles where it might rot the decking, cause mold or leak into your home.
Attic insulation installed costs less than $1.50 per square foot in most homes, especially when a layer of insulation is already there. The cost is recouped through lower energy bills within five years in most climates.
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How Much Does It Cost To Insulate A Conservatory Roof
Replacing a polycarbonate with an insulated solid roof will cost in the region of £10,000+.
It should be noted that constructing a solid roof at the time the conservatory is constructed will cost maybe half that amount, and is the ideal way to achieve a year-round room.
A lightweight internal roof solution will not achieve the same U-value as a solid roof, but will cost in the region of £5,000.
Can You Insulate A Flat Roof From The Inside
Can a flat roof be insulated from inside , from the ceiling of the area below? Insulating a roof from inside is technically feasible its whats called the cold roof principle. This system was often used in the past, but is not recommended nowadays. In fact, it may cause damage in the long term.
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So What Are The Benefits Of An Energy
An energy-efficient roof can do more than just save you money on your energy bill. Here are just a few of the other ways an energy-efficient roof can pay you back:
- It lowers maintenance costs.
- It adds to your property value or resale value.
- It extends the life of your roof
- It extends the life of your HVAC system.
- It makes your home more comfortable.
- It improves indoor comfort for spaces that arent air conditioned, such as garages or covered patios.
- It looks as good or better than a non-energy-efficient roof.
- It lowers peak electricity demand, which can help prevent power outages.
It can even be good for the environment by reducing the amount of energy needed to cool buildings, energy-efficient roofs reduce power plant emissions.
How Much Does It Cost To Insulate A Flat Roof
For the most up to date pricing on flat roofing insulation, follow the links in the section below.
In most cases, flat roofing insulation is included in the costings put together by installation companies when quoting for a new roof. Alternatively, existing insulation material may be reused when a new roof is installed if its still in good enough condition.
Professional firms will be able to supply a specific cost for insulation materials if that is your only requirement. You will also find it detailed on the quote sheet as part of the job.
Powerdeck F Insulation Board
If you are thinking of installing insulation into a warm flat roof yourself, the Powerdeck U Insulation Board is specifically designed for this purpose. It is suitable for use with any hot-applied waterproofing system and any bitumen compatible single-ply membrane system.
Another option is Powerdeck F Insulation Board a durable, market leading PIR insulation board for built-up felt, mastic asphalt and single ply membrane waterproofing systems.
Both these options offer industry-leading insulation solutions for flat roofing at a manageable price point.
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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.
Add New Insulation With Your New Roof
Insulation below your new roof will help maximize your homes energy efficiency. Insulation in the attic alone is not enough. Insulate the roof and you wont have to turn on the air conditioner as much in the summer and the heating system as much in the winter. Make sure there is an air space between the roof and the insulation so moisture does not become trapped and spur the growth of mold/mildew.
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Insulating A Roof: All You Need To Know
ByTim Pullenpublished 27 May 20
Insulating a roof is one of the best energy saving home improvements you can make, says Tim Pullen
When it comes to insulating a roof, your choices will depend on:
- your roof type
- its structure
- your willingness to invest
In most cases, extra investment made in beating the Building Regulations on insulation is money well spent it gives a lot back in returns.
Insulating a roof is perhaps the easiest of all the energy-saving home improvements. Mineral wool rolls are ubiquitous and cheap, meaning a whole roof on a standard home could be insulated to the recommended 270mm with a spend of little more than £200.
Its also within the capability of most DIYers, although not the most pleasant of tasks. And the effect it will have on your energy bills depends on what youre replacing and how big your roof is. Its also much more important to do if you dont have any loft insulation at all.
What Is Flat Roof Insulation
A flat roof is defined as any roof that has a pitch of less than 10 degrees. In practice a flat roof is pretty easy to spot because essentially it is horizontal. Also flat roofs dont tend to have the loft space that you normally associate with pitched roofs, so on the whole they wont have the loft hatch in the ceiling.
Therefore in insulated flat roofs, the insulating materials are laid between your ceiling and the roof membrane to prevent heat from escaping or coming into your property.
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Preserve The Attic’s Airflow
Covering up the soffit vents with loose fill or batts, which can happen if you stuff insulation along the eaves, is a huge no-no. The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams, and the material will block that flow. For the same reason, insulation shouldn’t touch the roof’s underside. Staple plastic or foam baffles to the roof sheathing, near the eaves, to keep the material away.
Lower Your Heating Bill & Prevent Ice Dams
When you drive through Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding cities during the winter, you may notice that some roofs are entirely covered by snow while others have none at all.
You may also notice ice dams on these roofs. Inadequate attic roof insulation is often the root cause of these destructive ice dams. By installing proper attic roof insulation, the temperature within the structure will be more consistent and comfortable, you will save on energy costs, and you can avoid future damage caused by ice dams.
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Cons Of Batt Insulation
Low energy efficiency – Producing batt insulation requires a lot of energy, contributing to more air pollution than other processes. Due to its low R-value, batt insulation does not perform well in colder temperatures and may require several layers of insulation.
Safety – Glass fibers from these insulation rolls can irritate the skin, eyes, and cause potential lung damage. Make sure you wear protective clothing before you perform the installation.
What To Look For Before Purchasing Roof Insulation
Before deciding on purchasing roof insulation, it is very important to study the pros and cons of different types of roof insulation available in the market. Here are some questions that you must answer before purchasing roof insulation.
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Where To Install Insulation In Your Home
Conducting an energy audit of your home will give you the best idea of where to focus your insulation upgrades. Though for most homesagain, especially those built before 1960its safe to say that the attic is the place to start.
Youll want to install insulation in the space between and over the floor joists to protect the living spaces below. Youll also want to make sure all exterior walls, walls between the home and unheated spaces , and floors above unheated spaces are properly insulated.
Its also important to seal any drafts, such as those around windows and door frames, or from your dryer vent or fireplace.
Looking To Replace Your Roof Before Adding Insulation Get An Estimate In Minutes With Our Roofing Calculator
Image source: Element Roofing
Before deciding whether to perform the installation yourself or hire an insulation contractor, remember to carefully examine the condition of your roof. If the space is easily accessible and doesnt show any signs of moisture, it may be possible to do the job yourself. But if there are any kind of leaks or mold, its probably best to hire a professional.
If you decide to do it yourself, make sure the space is free of any obstructions and that all gaps and air leaks are sealed off. If theres any space for heat to escape or cold air to come in, your insulation will no longer be effective.
When you do commit to installing insulation in your home, be sure to read up on your states building codes to ensure you meet or exceed code requirements. Youll be able to determine your R-value climate zone and the required measurements for all your insulation needs.
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Our Free Roof Inspection
How do you know when its time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roofs current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roofs condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: We wont recommend or sell a roof replacement unless its necessary.
Minneapolis Attic Insulation Installers
Proper attic roof insulation, professionally installed by our Minneapolis attic insulation installers, will help maintain the interior temperature of your structure year-round.
A properly insulated attic will keep the heat in during winter and out during summer. As a result, your furnace and air conditioning wont run as much throughout the year, saving money on your electric and gas bills.
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