Roofing insulation can cost you money, but it can also protect your home from the elements. Adding a layer of insulation can save you money in the long run, depending on the type of insulation you choose. You have a few different types to choose from, including Cellulose, Fiberglass, Polyisocyanurate, and Phenolic foam. If you’re not sure what type you need, talk to your roofer for advice.
Cellulose
Cellulose roofing insulation is a great choice for a variety of reasons. Not only does it help improve the quality of indoor air in your home, it can also protect you from fire hazards. It is environmentally friendly because it is made from recycled materials. Another reason cellulose roofing insulation is a good choice is its cost. It costs between $0.8 and $1.20 per square foot, which is much cheaper than glass wool or rock wool.
Cellulose insulation is usually manufactured by hammer milling waste newspaper and is treated with chemicals to prevent the spread of fire. It comes in four major types and is marketed under different brand names. Each type has specific uses and is used in different areas of a building for different reasons. When choosing a type of cellulose, it is important to find one that suits the specific purpose of your roof.
Another benefit of cellulose roofing insulation is its ability to reduce sound travel. This material is three times denser than fiberglass, which helps reduce the sound traveling through different rooms in a home. It will reduce the noise level of surrounding noises by up to 20%. You can also expect your home to be more energy-efficient after installing cellulose.
Cellulose is an eco-friendly option for roofing. It is made from recycled paper products and cardboard. Its density means that it is much less flammable than other insulations. Additionally, it is completely free of toxins and other chemical pollutants. The fire-retardant properties of cellulose allow it to meet most fire protection standards.
A disadvantage of cellulose roofing insulation is its short lifespan. Unlike spray foam, cellulose will need to be replaced within 20 to 30 years after installation. It is also not waterproof, so water damage can damage the material and reduce its R-value. It is best to get professional advice before deciding to use this material for your home.
The quality of cellulose insulation is dependent on how well it is installed. A well-done installation will ensure minimal maintenance. On the other hand, an improper installation will leave a lot of dust and can even put your house at risk for fire. The dust particles produced by cellulose roofing insulation are not toxic but can be annoying if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass roofing insulation is one of the easiest types of roof insulation to install. It is readily available and can be purchased at home improvement stores. It is light and easy to handle, and it provides a high R-value per inch. It can also be used to improve the attic insulation of a house.
It is made of very fine glass fibers. It can be purchased in many forms, from batts to unbending sheets. The higher R-values of high-density fiberglass batts make them ideal for areas with limited cavity space. These batts can be placed between joists to provide a barrier against heat transfer from the roof to the interior.
Fiberglass is also environmentally friendly. It reduces energy consumption and utility bills. It also reduces moisture and helps prevent the growth of mold. This makes it a smart choice for homes in humid climates. Because fiberglass does not absorb water, it is also a natural fire-resistant material. The material also reduces the risk of insect infestation.
Another benefit of fiberglass insulation is that it is inexpensive. It also traps air pockets to keep the house cool in winter and warm in summer. It also helps reduce the sound of the house. Fiberglass roofing insulation is an excellent choice for homes with wood structures. The materials used in this insulation are non-combustible and are able to withstand high temperatures and humidity.
There are two types of fiberglass roofing insulation. The closed-cell type is thick and is made of polyurethane. The open-cell type is filled with air and is spongier than closed-cell foam. Both types can be used in buildings without a building order. They are both effective at slowing heat transfer between the surfaces of a home or office building.
A higher R-value indicates better insulation. The value depends on the International Energy Conservation Code climate zone and the area of the house. Another type is called faced insulation. This type has a vapor barrier or a retarder that helps stabilize the R-value of the insulation.
Polyisocyanurate
Polyisocyanurate roofing insulation is a versatile and low-cost option for the construction industry. The material is made of polyisocyanurate, which has a low R-value and can be vulnerable to moisture damage. For this reason, the NRCA recommends specifying polyiso insulation by board size and thickness, rather than R-value or LTTR. For more information, consult the NRCA Manual on roofing insulation.
The thermal resistance of polyisocyanurate roofing insulation is closely related to the thickness of the material. Manufacturers usually report R-values by using a method known as long-term thermal resistance (LTTR). For example, a product made of one-inch-thick material has an LTTR of 5.6. A product made of two-inch-thick material will have an LTTR of 5.8.
Polyiso roofing insulation is an ideal choice for flat roofs and sloped roofs. It provides an efficient thermal insulation board and is approved for use with most membrane roofing systems. It is lightweight and is suitable for both new construction and re-roofing. It is also approved for use with hot asphalt roof systems.
Polyiso roofing insulation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. It is commonly used in commercial roof construction and offers a continuous insulation solution for commercial flat roofs. It is easily available and is widely used in North America. When it comes to roofing, it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to fibrous foam plastic.
When choosing polyisocyanurate roofing insulation, it is important to consider the ASTM C1289 standard. This standard specifies the different types, classes, and grades of polyisocyanurate roofing insulation. RoofSense is a good resource for choosing the appropriate ISO roofing insulation for your project.
In the past 20 years, the industry has argued over whether polyiso is reliable. Polyiso R-Values drop with time, temperature, and moisture. It’s important to use proper insulation on a roof to protect the thermal envelope of a building. The industry has been trying to educate the public about ISO testing and its impact on R-values.
Phenolic foam
Phenolic foam roofing insulation was developed in the early 80s in response to the energy crisis and regulations requiring higher R-values for roof insulation. It was designed to provide greater insulation efficiency and fire resistance without requiring complete re-roofing. The product was a great success in the short term, but major problems soon emerged that led to one of the largest class-action settlements in history.
The main issue with phenolic foam roofing insulation is that it shrinks significantly after curing, sometimes up to 2 percent. This can result in significant air leakage and heat transfer. Because of this, the phenolic foam may need to be reapplied after the initial material has set.
Phenolic foam roofing insulation is typically installed in conjunction with built-up roofing membranes, such as tar and gravel roofing systems. The product was primarily used in the Midwest, Texas, and Eastern United States. In Illinois alone, hundreds of phenolic foam roofing insulation systems were installed.
Phenolic foam roofing insulation is made by adding wet foam mix to a facing. This expansion is then followed by curing in a second oven. The resulting board is then cut to the appropriate size. As long as the phenolic foam meets building regulations, it should be a good option for roofing insulation.
In addition to being an excellent insulator, phenolic foam is also resistant to fire. Its fire rating of Euroclass B makes it suitable for use on newbuild and ventilated roofs. Its thermal barrier properties allow it to maintain the UF/sub 6 below the triple point. These qualities required extensive experimental and analytical modeling to determine.
The process for installing phenolic foam roofing insulation requires inspection, bid specification, and solicitation. The construction company must follow a strict timeline and must follow the specifications. If the project is delayed because of the weather, the claims office will extend the offer, and the building owner will have to pay the rest.
Perlite, another type of insulation, is considered a low thermal insulation. It is a material that is usually mixed with reinforcing cellulosic fibers. It has been used for flat roofs for years and is considered to be an environmentally friendly alternative. It is manufactured from recycled paper waste, is economical, and has a high R-value. In addition, it can be installed over wide flutes and spans in the metal deck.