How Do You Properly Insulate a Roof?

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against harsh weather. It consists of various components, and the insulation is one of the most important ones. For this reason, making sure your roof in Orange County is insulated by a reputable roofing service is key to ensure optimal results and lasting comfort.

In the following article, we’ll explain the basics of the roof insulation process and provide some pointers on how to get the most value out of your insulated roof. Read on to learn more.

What is the best way to insulate a roof? 

Proper roof insulation is essential. Many things can harm your roof, and bad weather is the most common culprit. Due to its proven effectiveness, polyurethane spray foam is usually the best material for roof insulation. 

This spray-applied substance is highly effective when it comes to sealing cracks and resisting wind and heat. It’s installed below your roof deck and directly onto the tiles and slates. There, it bonds the tiles and slates together to stave off unwanted moisture, heat, and wind.

It’s important to distinguish between high-density closed-cell insulation foam and low-density open-cell spray products. The latter contains open cells, making them more flexible and better suited for indoor settings.

On the other hand, closed-cell foam insulation is entirely pressed together and closed, leading to greater rigidness and stability. It works best for large areas, preventing any moisture from penetrating the roof.

Overall, polyurethane spray foam is often considered the best way to insulate your roof due to the following benefits: 

• Sealing gaps: Properly applied to gaps and cracks, polyurethane foam expands and hardens to restrict the airflow. It serves as a robust, water-resistant barrier to shield your home from outside moisture. 
• Lower utility bills: Foam insulation maintains the optimal temperature in your house, eliminating the need to depend heavily on air conditioners and heaters. 
• Eco-friendly design: Spray foam insulation provides much-needed energy efficiency to reduce carbon emissions. This feature makes it ideal for environmentally-conscious homeowners.
• Built to last: Unlike fiberglass and many other types of insulation, polyurethane foam doesn’t deteriorate over time. It hardens, expands, and doesn’t lose shape or insulating properties when applied. 

Can you put insulation directly against a roof? 

Putting insulation directly against your roof is ill-advised. There needs to be a gap between the insulation and the membrane, which serves as an additional waterproofing layer under the slates or tiles.

When you’re making refurbishments with bitumen-based roofing felts with high vapor resistance, you should leave at least two inches underneath your membrane. If your membrane is a breather model, you can leave a slightly smaller gap. 

The main thing is to enable the water drainage channel to flow from the upper section of the membrane. A 0.4-inch gap between the tile or slate batten can achieve this, but 0.6 inches helps you achieve better thermal performance.

Want to enhance your roof? Reach out to the most trusted Orange County roofing service! 

Making sure your roof is in tip-top shape is paramount. Whether you want to improve your insulation or replace some shingles, don’t postpone the job. Otherwise, it exposes your Orange County home to numerous problems and keeps you from enjoying your day at Laguna Beach in peace. 

To prevent troubles with your roof, contact 619 Roofing as soon as possible. Our trained professionals will provide unmatched services, ensuring the structure can withstand all the pressure. Hire our experts, and you won’t be disappointed!