Roof insulation is a material that serves as a barrier between the interior of a house and the outside environment, helping to reduce heat gain or loss. While insulation can help to reduce heat loss, it does not actually heat a space. Adding insulation to an existing roof is one of the most effective ways to save money on heating costs during the winter months. It creates an air pocket between two layers of shingles or tiles, preventing heat from escaping. A quarter of the heat in an uninsulated home is lost through the roof.
Insulating the attic, loft, or flat roof is an effective way to reduce heat loss and lower heating bills. A layer of rigid insulating panel can be added over the weatherproof layer of the roof or directly onto the wooden surface of the roof, with a new weatherproof layer on top of the insulation. Some companies may offer to repair a damaged or leaking roof by spraying insulating foam directly onto the underside of the roof without first fixing the problem. If it's difficult to access your attic, you can have a professional install blown insulation, who will use specialized equipment to blow the right insulating material into any awkward spaces. Each type of insulation has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right type for your roof.
In addition, many mortgage companies are currently unwilling to offer loans for properties with foam insulation on the roof, which can make it difficult to sell a property with this type of insulation. You can opt for more traditional types of insulation, such as fiberglass and spray foam, or select the more modern type of radiant barrier insulation. Attic insulation can reduce the heat that gets there but, more importantly, it prevents heat from spreading to other parts of the house, resulting in energy savings of 20-60%. Installing insulation for flat roofs could save you similar amounts on your heating bills as those for loft insulation. In Northern Ireland, building regulations require adequate ventilation when installing attic insulation.
Flat roof insulation always requires professional installation and wet roofs require professional evaluation before work can be carried out. Using an infrared scanner can help you identify problem areas and thoroughly check for air leaks, cracks, holes and crevices in the foundation and take the necessary steps to install adequate insulation. In cases where there are moisture problems or a more complex insulation system is needed, a professional installer should be used. I'm always happy to share my professional advice for installing insulation.
