Should you insulate your roof? We help you decide!
If you are planning to renovate your roof, you should definitely consider insulation because it protects your home in many ways. But what type of insulation? What are the questions to ask yourself? Cedral gladly helps you decide which options are the most suitable for you.
What is roof insulation?
With roof insulation, we refer to adding insulation on your roof slope, above and below the rafters. Insulation materials typically have low thermal conductivity, so they reduce the overall heat transfer coefficient of your roof. Without insulation, a considerable part of your heating disappears through the roof, but with insulation, your roof lets less heat escape from your home.
The advantages are clear. With insulation you can more easily regulate the temperature in your home. As you lose less heat, this will have a positive effect on your energy bill, saving on heating expenses. But this is not only good for your wallet, less energy use is also good for the planet. And last but not least, it contributes to long-term weather prevention.
Cold versus hot roof insulation
There are two types of roof insulation: hot versus cold.
- Cold insulation is placed between and over the wooden joist above the ceiling of the building’s top floor. It is easier to install than hot insulation, making it also the cheaper option. Or you can easily do it yourself. This insulation above the ceiling keeps the heat from escaping from the rooms under it. But the attic (above the insulation) will be cold. Hence the term ‘cold insulation’.
- Hot insulation is installed under the roof itself. It reduces heat losses and balances your home’s temperature both in winter and summer. Keep in mind that you need ventilation below the roof slates to avoid condensation when considering hot installation.
The most commonly used insulation materials are rigid foam insulation boards, radiant barriers and spray foam. They are all compatible with Cedral slate roofs.
Questions to ask yourself regarding roof insulation
Do you want to cut your energy bill? Insulation will let less heat (or cold in summer) escape. This way you need to heat or cool less. This will lead to considerable cost savings. You will recover your investment in a few years thanks to your reduced heating or aircon bill.
Do you have ventilation ducts on your attic? It can get very hot under your roof. If your HVAC ducts pass through your attic, they will also require insulation against heat. With hot roof insulation, your ducts can remain cooler as your attic has a more conditioned stable temperature.
Are you living in a cold climate? Cold outside temperatures often lead to condensation on the inside of your roof if not insulated well. Ice dam formation on your roof might also lead to water infiltration between your slates. Proper insulation prevents moisture damage to your roof structure.
Do you care about sustainability? We hope so, because we do. With insulation, you can considerably reduce your energy consumption. And the greenest energy, is the energy that didn’t need to be generated. So, insulation makes your home more energy-efficient, which is beneficial for the climate.
Read more about the sustainability of Cedral’s products.
The advantages of Cedral fibre-cement slates for your roof
Fibre-cement slates are an efficient roofing solution that is compatible with the insulation needs described above. Fibre-cement slates are made of an ingenious mix of naturally available ingredients: cement, fibres, sand, water and air. This makes them lightweight, yet very strong. Cedral comes in a variety of colours and sizes. Add to that they numerous installation possibilities and the design options for your roof are virtually endless.
The Cedral slates are quick and easy to install thanks to their light weight. This also means they can be placed on lighter roof structures without the need to strengthen them – making them an ideal option for renovation. Cedral guarantees its slates up to 15 years for homogenic aging and 30 years on the intrinsic qualities: watertightness, frost resistance and its excellent fire rating (A2-s1, d0).