The Role of Proper Insulation in Roofing

Buildings incorporating insulation materials into their design consistently experience lower energy costs. Because of this, the importance of including insulation in your roofing system can’t be understated. You insulate the rest of your home, so why not insulate your roof? If you’re not sure how to incorporate insulation into your home’s roofing, the experts at Sherriff Goslin are here to help you understand. 

What is Roofing Insulation?

Roofing insulation is a type of material meant to reduce the flow of heat through your roof, increasing your home’s energy efficiency by maintaining its temperature. During the summer, it keeps your home cooler by reducing the amount of heat that flows into it through the roof. Meanwhile, during the winter, it reduces the amount of heat lost through your roof. 

What Types of Roofing Insulation are Available?

Much like other building materials, there are a variety of options available for roofing insulation. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your desired goals for your roofing insulation project. Here are some of the most common roofing insulation materials among home and business owners in our service area.

Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) Roof Insulation

Due to its superior R-value and energy-efficient properties, polyisocyanurate (polyiso) foam has become a popular roofing insulation option among both home and business owners. Compatible with most roof systems, Polyiso can be attached to most building materials with a variety of plates, fasteners, or adhesives.

This energy-efficient insulation minimizes your home’s heating and cooling costs while benefiting the environment. In fact, it is often referred to as “green” Polyiso due to its environmental benefits. Its hydrocarbon-based blowing agent has zero ozone depletion potential and virtually no global warming potential.

Tapered Polyiso Roof Insulation

While it offers the same benefits as standard or flat polyiso insulation, tapered polyiso insulation’s profile allows for appropriate rooftop drainage in almost any roofing application, regardless of slope or size. By directing water to drains and scuppers, tapered polyiso insulation reduces water infiltration and minimizes the negative effects of pooling water, ultimately lengthening your roof's lifespan. 

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Roof Insulation

Expanded polystyrene (EPS), like polyiso insulation, is manufactured in both flat and tapered profiles. This allows it to be used in a similar way to tapered polyiso insulation for rooftop drainage. It can also be customized to any roof size or slope, which is ideal for less conventional building designs.

This high-performance insulation provides dimensional stability, compressive strength, and water resistance for most roofing applications. However, its R-Values are generally less impressive than those of traditional polyiso insulation, making it a less environmentally friendly option. 

Natural Insulation

For those interested in using more natural building materials, a vegetative roofing system, or live roof, may be just the solution to fit your roofing and insulation needs. This roofing system consists of multiple layers, including a top layer of live vegetation, like plants or trees, a waterproof membrane, and other critical components. 

The multi-layered nature of this type of roof creates natural insulation, among other benefits, like enhancing your home’s appearance, air quality, and energy efficiency. Like other types of insulation, live roofs significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, pollutants in stormwater, the “heat island” effect, and noise.

Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials

Depending on the type of roofing you install, you may have insulation benefits built right in. An example of this is metal roofing. Metal roofs actually provide excellent insulation for your home, regardless of your climate, as they reduce the amount of heat lost through your roof. 

In fact, this type of roofing can lead to energy savings of up to 40%, making its energy efficiency comparable to that of roofs with installed insulation. As a result, a metal roof is an all-in-one solution for homeowners seeking insulated, environmentally friendly roofing options.

Find the Right Roofing Insulation for You

Finding the right roofing insulation for your home or business can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The roofing experts at Sherriff Goslin can help you navigate these options to maximize the benefits of insulation, such as energy and cost savings. To get started, contact us today for a free estimate. 

Insulate Your Roofing with Sherriff Goslin 

Insulating your roof can provide you with a host of benefits. The experts at Sherriff Goslin can help you find the best type of roofing insulation for your needs. To start your next roofing project, contact us to schedule a free estimate. We serve home and business owners across the states of Florida, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.