Do you feel like your energy bills have been going up recently? It’s not just your imagination. The cost of energy has been rising steadily for decades, and those costs are expected to continue climbing. If you’re looking for ways to reduce the amount of money you spend on utilities, roof insulation is a great place to start. Smart roof insulation can save you a great deal of money over time by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. No matter what sort of roof you have – metal, tile, shake, or something else – there’s likely some room for improvement when it comes to your roof insulation. Whether you’re planning on buying a new home or renting out an existing one as a landlord, implementing these five tips will help you cut down on your energy costs and get the most value from your roof insulation.
Check the Condition of Your Roof
If your roof is in bad shape already, adding more insulation won’t help. First and foremost, make sure your roof is in good condition and sturdy enough to support increased weight. If you have any doubts, have a professional roofer inspect it for you. If your roof is in good shape, you can consider adding more insulation to lower your energy bills. If you live in a climate with particularly hot summers, you can add insulation to the top of the roof to keep the heat out. If you live in a colder climate, adding insulation to the underside of the roof will help trap the heat inside, keeping your home warmer in the winter.
Install a Vented Attic Program
In some climates, installing a vented attic program can be a great way to lower your energy bills while also increasing the longevity of your roof insulation. A vented attic program allows warm air to rise up into the attic during the summer and then allows cool air to flow back down into the home through the attic vents. In this way, your attic acts as a natural cooling and ventilation system for your home. A vented attic program works best when you have a roof with plenty of attic space. If your roof is low-slope, installing a vented attic program may not be a good fit. If your roof is low-slope, you’re likely better off using additional insulation to reduce your cooling costs.
Add Rigid Foam to the Bottom of Your Roof
The bottom of your roof is the ideal place to add a layer of rigid foam insulation to reduce your cooling costs. Rigid foam insulation on the bottom of your roof will help keep your home cooler in the summer, which will help reduce your cooling costs throughout the year. Rigid foam insulation on the bottom of your roof will also help extend the life of your roof, which will save you money in the long run. While almost any kind of rigid foam will help reduce your cooling bills, some types of foam are better than others. If you live in a particularly hot area, you’re going to want to look for a foam insulation that’s designed for very warm climates. The higher the R-value of the foam, the better it will insulate your roof. Rigid foam insulation is also typically more affordable and easier to install than batt insulation.
Add an Infrared Barrier and More Rigid Foam on Top
If you have low-pitched roofing, you can add an infrared barrier on top of your roofing followed by additional rigid foam insulation on top of that to get the best results. If you live in a particularly hot climate, an infrared barrier on top of your roofing will help reflect heat away from your home while also helping to extend the life of the insulation below. An infrared barrier on the top of your roof can be particularly helpful if your roof has a steep pitch. Roofing with a steep pitch is more prone to insulated roof condensation (IRD), which is when moisture gets trapped between the roof’s insulation and the roofing. An infrared barrier on top of your roofing will prevent IRD from occurring in the first place, meaning your roof insulation will last longer and cost you less in the long run.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that roof insulation is a great way to lower your energy bills. Whether you choose to add batt insulation to your roof or use another type of roof insulation, you’ll definitely see an improvement in your home’s energy efficiency. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, roof insulation is a great place to start. No matter what sort of roof you have, there’s likely room for improvement when it comes to your roof insulation