Here are some of the best roof insulation options to think about.
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Most people don't spend much time considering roof insulation. Making a strategic decision about the best insulation for your home, on the other hand, can help you stay comfortable while also saving money. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, properly insulating a home can save a typical homeowner about 15% on their annual utility bill.
There are several types of insulation to consider when building a new home or upgrading the insulation in your existing home. The best type of insulation for your home will be determined by factors such as where you live, your budget, and any existing insulation that you intend to keep.
Understanding Roof Insulation R-Values
The R-Value of insulation is a measurement of how effectively it blocks the flow of heat through it, which can keep heat inside your home on cold days and outside on hot days. R-Values less than R30 are considered minimally insulated. An R-Value closer to R60 would be ideal for maximum insulation.
Energy Star has a map that shows what R-Value homeowners should use for insulation to help them understand what type of insulation is best for their geographic region. In Florida, for example, homeowners are advised to use insulation with an R-Value as low as R30. Northern Minnesota homeowners, on the other hand, should use insulation with an R-Value of at least R49.
If you are adding new insulation on top of existing insulation, you may be able to use insulation with a lower R-Value, as detailed in the Energy Star map.
ROOF INSULATION TYPES THAT WORK BEST
Insulation with Spray Foam
A polyurethane or latex spray is evenly applied directly to the underside of the roof deck, slates, and tiles with spray foam insulation. This not only provides insulation, but it also seals cracks and prevents moisture from entering the home. It can be used for complete insulation or in specific areas prone to moisture accumulation. If used to insulate an entire attic space, it would be on the more expensive end of the insulation cost spectrum, with a potential cost of $10,000.
Pros
Cons
Insulation made from batts
Batt blanket insulation is a popular type of insulation that is made of fiberglass and is relatively easy to install. Batt insulation typically will come various sizes as well as R-Values. Although the insulation can be cut to fit around ceiling joists and rafters, it does not provide the same seal as spray foam insulation. With average costs ranging from $500 to $1,500, it is a good low-cost option.
Pros
Cons
Locate a Contractor
Most people don't spend much time considering roof insulation. Making a strategic decision about the best insulation for your home, on the other hand, can help you stay comfortable while also saving money. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, properly insulating a home can save a typical homeowner about 15% on their annual utility bill.
There are several types of insulation to consider when building a new home or upgrading the insulation in your existing home. The best type of insulation for your home will be determined by factors such as where you live, your budget, and any existing insulation that you intend to keep.
Understanding Roof Insulation R-Values
The R-Value of insulation is a measurement of how effectively it blocks the flow of heat through it, which can keep heat inside your home on cold days and outside on hot days. R-Values less than R30 are considered minimally insulated. An R-Value closer to R60 would be ideal for maximum insulation.
Energy Star has a map that shows what R-Value homeowners should use for insulation to help them understand what type of insulation is best for their geographic region. In Florida, for example, homeowners are advised to use insulation with an R-Value as low as R30. Northern Minnesota homeowners, on the other hand, should use insulation with an R-Value of at least R49.
If you are adding new insulation on top of existing insulation, you may be able to use insulation with a lower R-Value, as detailed in the Energy Star map.
ROOF INSULATION TYPES THAT WORK BEST
Insulation with Spray Foam
A polyurethane or latex spray is evenly applied directly to the underside of the roof deck, slates, and tiles with spray foam insulation. This not only provides insulation, but it also seals cracks and prevents moisture from entering the home. It can be used for complete insulation or in specific areas prone to moisture accumulation. If used to insulate an entire attic space, it would be on the more expensive end of the insulation cost spectrum, with a potential cost of $10,000.
Pros
- Insulation that lasts longer than fiberglass insulation
- It fills gaps and is resistant to moisture.
- Insulation that is effective for higher R-Values
Cons
- When compared to fiberglass or blown-in insulation, it is more expensive.
- Professional installation is required.
Insulation made from batts
Batt blanket insulation is a popular type of insulation that is made of fiberglass and is relatively easy to install. Batt insulation typically will come various sizes as well as R-Values. Although the insulation can be cut to fit around ceiling joists and rafters, it does not provide the same seal as spray foam insulation. With average costs ranging from $500 to $1,500, it is a good low-cost option.
Pros
- Purchase and DIY are both simple.
- Moisture-resistant at a low cost
Cons
- Due to the low R-Value that it has, it also is going to be energy efficient.
- For optimal insulation, several layers may be required.
- During installation, the skin, eyes, and lungs may be irritated.
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Insulation, either loose-fill or blown-in
Loose-fill or blown-in insulation, which is made of fiberglass, cellulose, or recycled materials, is an excellent choice for filling a large space, such as an attic or crawl space. It can be blown into the space using a flexible tube, allowing it to insulate a difficult-to-reach area. You have a lot of control over the total amount of insulation, which can help you get the right amount for your climate. The average cost is between $1,750 and $5,550.
Fiberglass insulation is non-flammable, but it is less suitable for cold climates. Cellulose insulation is flammable, but it is a better option for colder climates and lasts longer than fiberglass insulation.
Pros:
Cons:
Panels of Structural Insulation
SIPs, or structural insulated panels, resemble plywood with rigid insulation sandwiched between them. This makes them difficult to retrofit into homes, but they are becoming an increasingly popular and long-lasting option to include when building a home. They cost between $10 and $12 per square foot on average. SIPs, when properly installed, can significantly reduce energy costs.
Pros:
Cons:
Boards of Rigid Insulation
Rigid board insulation, which is more commonly used to insulate walls in living spaces than attics, is made from polyisocyanurate or polyiso, extruded polystyrene (XPS), or expanded polystyrene (EPS). The material used for the rigid insulation board will affect both the R-Value and the cost; on average, the higher the R-Value, the higher the cost. The average cost is between $4,000 and $15,500.
Pros:
What to Look For When Buying Roof Insulation
There are a few factors to consider when insulating your home. The first is your home's R-value, which measures how effectively insulation blocks the flow of heat through it. The next step is to determine which type of insulation will be most effective. Finally, decide whether you will tackle the project yourself or hire a professional.
Loose-fill or blown-in insulation, which is made of fiberglass, cellulose, or recycled materials, is an excellent choice for filling a large space, such as an attic or crawl space. It can be blown into the space using a flexible tube, allowing it to insulate a difficult-to-reach area. You have a lot of control over the total amount of insulation, which can help you get the right amount for your climate. The average cost is between $1,750 and $5,550.
Fiberglass insulation is non-flammable, but it is less suitable for cold climates. Cellulose insulation is flammable, but it is a better option for colder climates and lasts longer than fiberglass insulation.
Pros:
- R-Value management
- Can fit in difficult-to-reach places or take up more space
Cons:
- While installing, safety precautions must be taken.
- It has the potential to deflate over time and to retain moisture.
Panels of Structural Insulation
SIPs, or structural insulated panels, resemble plywood with rigid insulation sandwiched between them. This makes them difficult to retrofit into homes, but they are becoming an increasingly popular and long-lasting option to include when building a home. They cost between $10 and $12 per square foot on average. SIPs, when properly installed, can significantly reduce energy costs.
Pros:
- Can support weight (up to 70lbs per square foot)
- Energy-efficient and contributes to lower utility costs
- Custom sizes and shapes are available.
Cons:
- Professional installation is required.
- It is preferable to install during construction rather than later.
- Moisture protection is required.
Boards of Rigid Insulation
Rigid board insulation, which is more commonly used to insulate walls in living spaces than attics, is made from polyisocyanurate or polyiso, extruded polystyrene (XPS), or expanded polystyrene (EPS). The material used for the rigid insulation board will affect both the R-Value and the cost; on average, the higher the R-Value, the higher the cost. The average cost is between $4,000 and $15,500.
Pros:
- It is possible to obtain a high R-Value.
- In the right type of space, DIY friendly Energy efficient Cons
- Unsuitable for insulating unfinished attics.
- Installing in large areas is costly.
- Typically treated with a chemical fire retardant, which may be harmful to one's health.
What to Look For When Buying Roof Insulation
There are a few factors to consider when insulating your home. The first is your home's R-value, which measures how effectively insulation blocks the flow of heat through it. The next step is to determine which type of insulation will be most effective. Finally, decide whether you will tackle the project yourself or hire a professional.