When it comes to roofing insulation, the R-value of the material is an important factor to consider. The R-value measures the effectiveness of the insulation’s heat barrier. Optimal R-values vary depending on the climate you live in. A cooler climate requires a higher R-value than a hotter one. There are a variety of online resources available to help you determine the right R-value for your home.
Polyisocyanurate
Polyisocyanurate roof insulation is an environmentally friendly material that has many benefits. It is a good choice for new construction, retrofits, and commercial roof replacements. However, it must be handled and stored properly. According to the CRCA’s National Technical Committee, polyisocyanurate should be inspected upon arrival, and any moisture contamination should be noted in writing. Once the contamination is determined, the appropriate course of action can be determined.
Polyiso roof insulation has an LTTR (Long-Term Thermal Resistance) that correlates with its thickness. Manufacturers usually report LTTR values as minimum R-values, with minimum values of 5.6 per inch for 1-inch products and 5.7 for two-inch products. Three and four-inch products generally have higher LTTR values.
Polyisocyanurate roof insulation was first introduced in the 1990s and is now used on more than half of U.S. buildings. It has been proven to be an efficient way to protect a roof against the effects of the sun and wind. However, it is not without its share of drawbacks. First, it can cause the roof to lose its ability to breathe. Moreover, a leaking roof can cause severe damage. Polyisocyanurate is also an environmentally friendly option to build a new roof.
The industry has worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIOSH) to improve polyisocyanurate’s performance. Besides, the new standards provide a benchmark for the material’s performance. The polyisocyanurate industry has also implemented a Quality Mark Program. With the Quality Mark Program, manufacturers can third-party certify the LTTR value of their products.
Manufacturers of polyisocyanurate roof insulation have recently updated their thermal-resistance reporting procedure. This change has caused some confusion in the market. Previously, polyisocyanurate roof insulation R-values were reported using a procedure called PIMA 101. Now, manufacturers report additional R-values.
Polyisocyanurate roof insulation is a versatile and effective material that has high R-value per inch. It is compatible with all major types of roof coverings, including metal, wood, and tile. Moreover, it is affordable and can be incorporated into green building designs.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene roof insulation is a versatile choice for flat roof applications. It provides outstanding insulation, has a long lifespan, and is recyclable. It does not contain CFCs, HFCs, or HCFCs, and is completely free of formaldehyde. It is also backed by a 50-year thermal warranty.
Polystyrene is an insulating material made of extruded polystyrene. Its rigid cell structure provides excellent water resistance. It is manufactured to ASTM C578, the primary reference standard for polystyrene insulation. This standard describes the physical properties of polystyrene and how it can be used in different applications.
Extruded polystyrene roof insulation is made using a continuous extrusion process, which yields a uniformly-sized foam product. Its closed-cell structure is made of uniformly sized bubbles with common walls, which ensures reliable compressive strength durability.
Expandable polystyrene has low water vapor transmission and does not require costly venting. It is also lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and shape. As a result, polystyrene roof insulation is a viable choice for many buildings. When used as a roofing material, it can help protect buildings from extreme heat and cold.
Polystyrene roof insulation can help to improve the energy efficiency of a building. Due to its high compressive strength, it is a lightweight and affordable option for roofing. It is compatible with most commercial roofing systems. It also meets BCA standards, which are important for building energy-efficient structures.
Roofs are the most expensive part of a building’s structure, so choosing an appropriate roofing insulation system is crucial. Expanded polystyrene, or EPS, is often the first choice of architects and building designers. As an affordable option, EPS roofing insulation meets the requirements of even the most stringent building projects.
EPS is available in various thicknesses and joint details. It is an excellent choice for single-ply roofing systems because it offers maximum thermal efficiency and dimensional stability. The standard thickness for roofing applications is 12 inches (305 mm) and can be tapered to an 1/8-in-12 slope. This allows for drainage on low-slope roof decks.
Cellulose
Cellulose roof insulation is an alternative to traditional fiberglass insulation. The material is derived from paper and is treated with fire retardants, making it safer than fiberglass. It has a Class 1 fire rating. It is also denser, restricting oxygen to structural members that could easily catch fire. Consequently, it has a lower embodied energy than mineral insulation.
This material is ideal for attics, new homes, and enclosed walls. It is made from recycled paper that is treated with boric acid, borax, and ammonium sulfate. Cellulose roof insulation is available in several types. Dry cellulose is a great option for new homes and is installed by drilling holes in the attic’s top wall and blowing it in.
Cellulose is made from recycled paper, including newsprint. About 80% of the material is post-consumer newsprint. According to the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association, a 1500-square-foot home made of cellulose insulation would remove approximately 3.2 million tons of newsprint from the waste stream every year. Besides recycled content, cellulose is treated with borate minerals that prevent insects and rodents from eating the material. Moreover, cellulose is naturally resistant to fungus and mold growth.
Cellulose insulation can help you to save money by lowering your energy bills. It acts as a barrier between the hot roof and the interior of your home. As a result, the temperature inside your home will stay 3 to 5 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Your air conditioning system will use less energy on hot days. This will help you reduce energy bills and make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. You can choose the right type of cellulose roof insulation depending on your building’s needs.
If you’re looking for an efficient way to keep your roof cool in the summer, cellulose roof insulation may be the best option for you. This material is lightweight, but is incredibly dense. Moreover, cellulose is hygroscopic, so it will absorb 130% of water by weight. This makes it ideal for attics. However, cellulose isn’t suitable for spot-insulation.
Cellulose insulation is environmentally friendly and can reduce your utility bills. It is composed of up to 85% recycled paper, making it one of the greenest materials on the market. It has low toxicity and is an excellent pest deterrent. It can also be recycled, which means less waste to landfills.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass roof insulation is a type of insulation used in the roof of a building. It has many benefits but also has some drawbacks. It is not as effective as cellulose insulation at repelling moisture, which means that it can cause problems for your house. This material also allows moisture to accumulate in attics and basements. The moisture can grow and flourish, which can lead to mold spores. It is essential to replace fiberglass insulation if it begins to show signs of decay.
The installation of fiberglass roof insulation is relatively inexpensive. For a 500-square-foot area, you should expect to pay about $600-$691 for the materials and labor. However, hiring a professional to do the job for you is not a cheap solution. The cost of hiring a contractor is likely to be the majority of the total cost. A contractor’s fees generally do not include the removal and disposal of old materials. It is best to purchase the insulation from a home improvement store.
Fiberglass panels come pre-cut, which can make installation easier. However, the panels will still require additional work to make sure the panels are airtight. Fiberglass is not as dense as cellulose or foam, so it requires more work to achieve an airtight seal. In addition, fiberglass panels may not be as effective at preventing air exchange.
Fortunately, there are more options for installing fiberglass roof insulation than you might have thought. You can choose from a variety of types and thicknesses that are compatible with your roofing membrane. Some materials are more cost-effective than others. Consider the R-value of each material before you choose one. The R-value of each material depends on the climate. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll probably want to install R-10 fiberglass insulation.
Fiberglass roof insulation comes in blown-in and loose-fill versions. The blown-in type is best for roofs that are hard to access. Loose-fill fiberglass insulation comes in bags and can be manually spread. However, this type can lose a lot of its R-value if there is excessive moisture. Alternatively, you can opt for a spray foam system. This type of insulation is more effective at beating heat and sealing leaks in the roof.