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Metal roofs are one of the strongest and most robust roofing materials available in America. In the past few years, metal has given composite roofs some tough competition. Most homeowners are now shifting from traditional roofing materials to metal roofs. This shift is because of metal roofing systems’ durable and long-lasting nature. You also have a wide variety ofmetal roof colors to choose from and improve the curb appeal of your home.
However, a roofing system is much more than just the roofing material. A roof consists of several parts, known as roofing components. Today we will discuss an essential part of the roof that people often do not pay attention to, the metal roof insulation.
In the following blog, we will answer questions such as why insulation is important and what types of metal roof insulation are available.
Do You Need A Metal Roof Insulation?
Selecting a good quality metal roof is not enough. You need to make sure you get the best insulation material for the property. But why is that important? Let us find out.
Despite having a long list of advantages, there are a few concerns around metal roofing materials, and we have discussed some of these in the following section.
Metal roofing has a high thermal conductivity, which means the metal roofing material can easily conduct heat. Though metal is fire-resistant, it can still reach high temperatures. There is a chance that this can lead to an increase in the temperature of your home if the quality of the metal is poor, and you have not installed insulation.
Another problem with metal roofs is that they tend to make noise, especially when it rains or is hit by hail. The sound of rain hitting them is pretty loud, so if you live in an area with frequent storms or high winds, (or both), this might not be a good choice for you. The bright side is that with proper insulation, you can get reduce this noise.
Benefits Of Metal Roof Insulation
A properly installed metal roofing system with high-quality insulation can help you in many ways. Below are some of the advantages.
Increased Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant benefits of roof insulation is that it can reduce the cost of your energy bills. Metal roofs are known to be high-performing in terms of energy efficiency on their own, but adding an extra layer of insulation will help keep your home warm during the wintertime and cool during the summer, which will mean less money spent on heating and cooling services.
Noise Reduction
Quality roof insulation will help in better absorption of sound. When rain and hail fall on the metal roofs, it can generate a loud, echoing noise. However, insulation will reduce this effect. Roof insulation also helps reduce noise pollution from outside sources such as traffic, or airplanes flying overhead. The reductive power will allow you to enjoy peace in your home even when loud noises are outside.
Helps Reduce Ice Dams
The formation of ice dams is one of the most common metal roofing problems during the winter season that can cause damage to your home. Without proper insulation, the hot air that’s risen in your home will cause snow to melt from the high points of your roof, and run down to the cold edges, or eaves, where it will freeze and begin to form an ice dam. If you want to avoid damaging your roof and having to replace it, it’s important to take steps to prevent ice dams from forming. One way to do this is by installing roof insulation to prevent a hot attic space from adding to roof dam issues.
Types Of Metal Roof Insulation
Now that you know the importance of insulating your metal roof, you might be looking to install it for your home. Before you move ahead, it is essential to understand that multiple types of insulation are available.
Below we have provided a list of some of the most popular types of metal roof insulation that homeowners use to insulate their properties.
Fiberglass Batts
Fiberglass batts are the most common type of insulation used with metal roofing. They’re made from small, flexible fibers packed together to form an insulated blanket roll. The flexibility of this insulation makes it easy to install and cut to fit in tight spots.
The primary benefit of fiberglass batts is their cost-effectiveness. They’re widely available at local home improvement stores and cost less per square foot than other insulation materials. With the insulation, you can also get a satisfactory R-value, which is more than acceptable, given its affordable cost.
However, this type of insulation has some disadvantages as well. Though fiberglass is a traditional method of insulation, the material can irritate the lungs and skin, so be careful and follow safety measures when installing. Secondly, it has trouble keeping moisture out, so during heavy rains moisture can damage the insulation, and this drastically reduces the R-value.
If you are on a tight budget, insulating your roof with fiberglass batts is your best option.
Rigid board
A rigid board is an interior type of insulation board for metal roofs. It is a closed-cell insulation system consisting of polyisocyanurate, a rigid, cellular plastic foam material with excellent thermal resistance properties. The cellular structure of the product absorbs sound waves to reduce noise transfer between rooms or areas of the building.
Ridge foam board is a great choice for interior and exterior walls as it provides better durability than other insulation types. This material is thin but quite dense, so fewer gaps are created during installation.
It is also ideal for use under roofing materials like metal, and asphalt shingles.
In terms of performance, ridge board insulation is better than fiberglass batts. But due to rigidity, it can be hard to cut and install near edges. Rigid board insulation is also one of the more expensive options on the market.
Customization is available for rigid board insulation. These are available in sheets and panels of multiple sizes and finishes. XPS and EPS are two types of foam boards that can be used in a metal roofing system. They both have similar properties but different R-values.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation for metal roofing is a great way to add extra protection to your roof. Unlike the other two options listed above, this is the easiest to install and can be used in every area of the home. This type of interior insulation is an excellent choice for your home if you want to keep the heat inside and maintain the temperature of your property. This type of insulation also effectively prevents damage from the elements.
As the word suggests, the contractor applies this type of insulation with the help of a high-pressure sprayer. The insulation material is mixed with water, and after mixing, the roofer will spray the foam solution on the required area as a liquid. As the liquid reacts with the air, it starts to expand and dry, turning it into a more rigid foam.
Since the material expands as it dries, this helps create an airtight seal between objects and surfaces that would otherwise let air or moisture leak through them. This provides an effective barrier against both hot and cold temperatures and moisture damage from rain or snow melt.
However, in terms of R-value, spray foam fares less than rigid metal roof insulation. Ensure that you hire professional roofers with experience in spray foam installation since both open-cell and closed-cell variants of this foam are available.
Foil Bubble Insulation
Also known as reflective foil insulation, foil bubble insulation is less popular than other materials, but can be useful in certain conditions.
Bubble insulation is made from layers of foil material with air bubbles compresses between these layers in two variants, single-bubble, and double-bubble. Its bright silver color means that this insulating material is highly radiant. Due to its bright sheen, the barrier is highly reflective and can quickly reduce heat transfer better than other insulating materials. This will help keep your home cool.
Which Metal Roof Insulation Should You Choose?
Now that you know about the major types of metal roof insulation, you might be struggling to decide which one to choose. The answer depends on several factors such as the cost, the style of the home, and its purpose.
If you are on a strict budget then fiberglass batt insulation will do the job for you. However, if you can spend more, and want durable insulation then you can choose a rigid board or spray foam.
Best Roofing Services In Pittsburgh
If you are looking for roofing services in Pittsburgh, then you should hire the team at Hepler Contracting LLC. We have been serving Alleghany County with a combined experience of more than 55 years, and have a reputation for honest, reliable service.
We offer the best roof insulation services in the area. We also provide new roofs and repairs for all types of roofs, including asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and wood shakes.
Hepler Contracting LLC employs professionals who are licensed and experienced. We take pride in our work and hire only the best so that we can deliver quality workmanship.
If you have any questions on which insulation you should install, or want to know more about the services we provide, you can contact us at, (412) 353-5660.
