Now is the time to insulate your home roof for winter

With the end of the summer holidays, it may seem strange to say now is the time to plan ahead for winter.

But Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox says September is the ideal month because it is far harder to install insulation when it is freezing and also energy prices are going up again next month.

“Home owners have to be careful as poorly fitted insulation can cause condensation. Some materials can also absorb water and lose their insulating properties,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park. “So, it is important to contact an expert to avoid having wet, draughty ceilings and feeling uncomfortable inside your own home.

Firstly, what is roof insulation? It is like a long-lasting blanket for the home creating a barrier between the inside and outside environment with materials that don’t easily conduct heat or transfer moisture. This prevents warmth from leaving your home in winter and excess heat, humidity and moisture from entering your home in summer.

 

The advantages are:

Temperature control and comfort: A well-insulated roof regulates indoor temperatures all the year round preventing up to 25 per cent of heat being lost through uninsulated roofs. Similarly, it keeps the home cooler by blocking the sun’s heat from entering through the roof.

Energy saving: Minimising heat loss or gain means your boilers and air conditioners don’t need to work as hard to keep rooms warm or cool, resulting in cheaper energy bills.

Moisture protection: Many modern roof insulation products can serve as a barrier against moisture and condensation, preventing dampness and mould. Proper insulation with adequate ventilation not only ensures a dry and adequate ventilation but also extends a roof’s lifespan by minimizing leaks and cracks.

Property value: Insulating your roof can increase the value of your property as the demand for energy efficient buildings continue to rise.
Ron added there are three main types of roof insulation – warm roof, cold roof and hybrid roof and the difference between the three is how the insulation is placed within the roof structure.

Warm roof: The most popular type of insulation as the entire roofing system is insulated by fitting the insulation over or under the rafters in a pitched roof or over the joists in a flat roof.

 

Ron said the benefits of using a continuous insulation, such as a multifoil insulation prevents heat loss that usually occurs through breaks in insulation across wooden rafters and joints. But he pointed out this system can be more complex and costly.

Cold roof: Here the insulation is placed at ceiling level below the joists so the living space below is insulated leaving the roof space exposed to cold air.

Ron said the advantages are that it is easier and less expensive to install and doesn’t require much structural modification. But he said the roof deck is exposed to outside temperatures which can lead to potential condensation problems, especially in winter. Also, the uninsulated loft space can increase energy loss as cold air circulates.

Hybrid roof: This is a dual approach combining elements of both warm and cold roof insulation. Here insulation is placed both over and under the rafters in pitched roofs and over and under the joists in flat roofs.

Ron said this was a good solution for buildings requiring high energy efficiency and the best insulation but the major drawback is the time and cost required to complete the work.

For more details about insulating your roof call Ron on 0845 474 6641 or go to www.noreus.co.uk

Caption: Insulate your loft now before the bad weather comes.