At Shoreline Roofing we strongly recommend making sure your roof is properly insulated before the real cold weather hits us here on Vancouver Island. Well-insulated roofs increase energy efficiency and save you money on heating costs. Insufficient or improperly installed insulation can cause warm air to leak out of your home in winter and cool air in the summer, making it less comfortable for you and your family all year long.
With winter well on the way, now is the time to consider one or more of these practical roof insulation tips.
Be Proactive
Homeowners know how drafty older homes can get during the fall and winter months. The best way to determine how heat might be escaping your roof is to call a professional to take a look at it. At Shoreline we specialize in roofing inspections – our roofing team knows exactly what to look for when it comes to diagnosing any potential issues with your roof. By being proactive and having a professional roof inspection, you can catch any problems and prevent them from worsening- saving you thousands of dollars and plenty of stress down the line.
Install Insulation During Repairs/Renovations
A roof conversion is a perfect opportunity to ensure a well-insulated roof. In addition, homeowners often convert unfinished attics into additional living space. This is an excellent time to upgrade insulation.
Unfinished attic space requires insulation between ceiling joists. It is generally recommended to leave the area between rafters uninsulated for maximum airflow.
Choose the Right Insulation
The decision to upgrade the insulation in your roof is easy. However, there are an assortment of insulation options that make determining what type of insulation to use the hard part.
In brief, there are four types of materials typically used for insulating the roof: cellulose, spray foam, fiberglass, and rock/slag wool. Cellulose is mostly made from recycled paper fiber. Fiberglass comes in rolls, batts (pre-cut sections of fiberglass/rock wool), or loose-fill (blown-in) forms. Loose-fill insulation is generally easier to place in hard-to-reach or irregular spaces. Foam board insulation is made of polystyrene and polyurethane and comes in rigid panels.
If you aren’t familiar with installing insulation yourself, we strongly recommend hiring a roofing professional instead. Improperly installed insulation can cost you much more in heating costs than the money you’d save by doing it yourself.
Ventilation, Ventilation, Ventilation
Good ventilation in the attic is the best defense against water condensation. A properly ventilated attic can also help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.
There are a wide variety of types and styles of roof vents. Each type has specific measurements and requirements for correct installation. We recommend having roof ventilation installed by experienced roof contractors.
Make Sure Vulnerable Areas are Sealed
The following areas should be sealed for superior roof insulation: duct joints and gaps from inside the house, around plumbing pipes, wires or ceiling fixtures that pass through attic flooring, tops of exterior and interior walls that don’t have a top plate and along any shared walls. Precision sealing prevents heat loss throughout the winter.
Ensure the Chimney is Properly Insulated
Metal chimneys should have non-flammable radiation shields installed between them and any insulation in order to prevent the insulation from catching fire. A non-combustible sealant should also be applied to safeguard the insulation from embers and smoke. We strongly recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor for this task, even if you otherwise feel comfortable with installing insulation yourself.
The experts at Shoreline Roofing can help you with all of your roofing needs, including maintenance, installations, repairs, de-mossing and much more. Contact us today at (250) 413-7967 or at ed@shorelineroofing.ca to find out more about how our services and how we can help you.