Insulating your roof is a necessity in both warm and cold climates. The primary purpose of this practice is to control the transfer of heat as it moves in different ways (conduction, convection and radiation). In flat-roofed properties, the insulation system can play a role in drainage, and act as a working platform when the rooftop is accessible.
Applying adequate insulation should be high on your list of priorities when tackling a roof replacement. However, using just any product doesn’t guarantee excellent results. Today, Curb Appeal Exteriors shares expert tips to insulate your roof well:
Choose Your Code
The IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) set minimum R-values for insulation. Their standards are generally the same except for 10% of counties in the United States.
Both organizations classify some areas in America as completely different climate zones, assigning dissimilar R-value requirements. Consult Curb Appeal Exteriors to figure out the sensible code to follow in your situation, in order to determine the right thermal rating.
Pick Your Insulation System
The insulation system should adapt to home design. Your options are limited by the way your roof is configured. For instance, any residential roofer would explain that sloped roofs typically use blankets of fiberglass batts that are squeezed in between ceiling joists. On the other hand, flat-roofed structures employ a rigid insulation system with no gaps.
The type of insulation your roof design can accommodate helps dictate the R-value you can expect at all points. In addition to the local climate, thicker insulation may be necessary to comply with your building code of choice.
Think About Thermal Bridging
Any roof repairman knows that the R-value of any insulation product on paper might be inconsistent with its ability to reduce heat transfer in practice. Without eliminating and minimizing thermal bridges or shorts, your insulation system’s R-value can drop significantly.
Fortunately, there are strategies to keep thermal bridging as low as possible. When applicable, the use of non-thermal-bridging fasteners or adhesives to secure layers of insulation helps ensure that the unit’s actual R-value the same or higher.
Curb Appeal Exteriors checks the existing roof insulation to determine whether it is code-compliant or needs replacement. Call us at (404) 381-8710 to discuss your roofing needs in Cumming, GA, or any neighboring area, and get a free estimate.