What is Roof Insulation (Pricing, Installation, and More)
When you think about a roof, the first thing that comes to your mind may be the appearance of your home.
A roof is one of the most significant cosmetic components of your home. However, a roof is a multi-faceted project to take on.
There are many layers to a roof that ensure it will keep your home and family safe for a lifetime.
Underlayment, decking, flashings – they are all essential to your roof. But there is another part that people commonly forget about: insulation.
Insulation is vital to your home’s efficiency and your roof’s longevity.
Rescue My Roof has been in the roofing industry for over a decade, and we have seen many mistakes that have resulted from a lack of insulation.
Ice dams, inefficient heating and cooling systems, and much more have plagued the greater Milwaukee area. But we can help you avoid the same fate.
In this article, we will be covering everything you need to know about roof insulation. In the end, you will be able to make better buying decisions for your home that will increase its efficiency and durability.
What is Roof Insulation?
Insulation is one of the critical components of keeping your home at the desired temperature.
Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss and gain. So when you want to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, proper insulation is going to be your best friend.
While there are several types of insulation, including wall insulation, we will be focusing on roof insulation.
The placement of the insulation in your home depends on whether you install a hot roof or a cold roof.
Hot Roof Insulation
A Hot roof is a type of unvented roof. The insulation is installed underneath the decking and above the rafters.
This type of insulation makes the air in the attic a part of the conditioned air space of your home.
Additionally, as the insulation is installed directly under the roof deck, there will be a two to three-degree increase in the temperature of your roof.
Cold Roof Insulation
A cold roof is the traditional vented roof. The insulation is installed underneath the rafters, making both the insulation and the rafters visible.
Cold roof insulation means your attic space is separate from the conditioned space in your home, making this style less efficient with heating and cooling.
Why is Roof Insulation Important?
There are several reasons why having adequate insulation is beneficial for your home.
1. Energy Savings
You will save on energy costs with proper insulation.
Insulation is designed to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The insulation will keep hot air in and prevent cooler temperatures from permeating into the living space.
As a result, your energy systems will not have to use as much energy, and you may see your energy bill decrease.
2. Ice Dam Prevention
As insulation helps keep your roof at an even temperature, they also help prevent ice dams.
Insulation decreases the risk of ice and snow melting at the top of your roof and refreezing at the bottom.
Therefore, insulation prevents many nasty issues ice dams may cause, like leaking and rotting wood.
3. Increases the Life of Your Roof
Adequate insulation helps keep your roof in the best shape possible by preventing many issues that may damage it.
Preventing ice dams and leaks means you should not have issues with mold or rotten decking.
In the end, insulation not only saves you money on your energy bill, but it could save you even more with repairs.
How Much Does Insulation Cost?
Typically, insulating an attic space may cost anywhere between $2,500 to $12,000, depending on what materials you choose.
Fiberglass insulation with an air seal would cost between $2,500-$5,000. Keep in mind, prices may vary depending on the square footage of your attic space and any problems the crew may encounter.
Additionally, open-cell spray foam will cost between $3,500-$8,000. The most expensive option is closed-cell spray foam (a hot roof) at $5,000-$12,000.
Depending on your budget and the size of your roof, only one of these options may be viable. However, talk with a roofing professional to determine which option is best for your home.
How Long Does Insulation Take to Complete?
We understand you have a busy schedule. It can be challenging between school, doctors appointments, and family outings to plan for a home improvement project.
If you’re stressing about when you’ll find the time to insulate your roof, you’re in luck.
Insulation takes, on average, a day to complete. This time may vary depending on the size of your home and how many areas must be insulated.
How to Get Your Roof Insulated
The bottom line is that insulation is vital for your home. You will save on heating and cooling costs, prevent future issues with leaks and mold, and prevent ice dams during the winter.
While it can be a significant investment, insulation will be better in the long run for your home.
Insulation isn’t the only thing that can keep your roof in the best shape possible. Other things like ventilation and gutters are vital parts of a roofing system.
You can learn more about essential roof maintenance with “6 Reasons It’s Important to Have Your Gutters Cleaned” and “Active Ventilation vs. Passive Ventilation (How to Choose).”
Are you ready to insulate your roof in the greater Milwaukee area? Rescue My Roof provides quality insulation and roofing services near you. You can contact us today to get your free estimate.