How Does Roof Insulation Work

Glass fibre or other loft insulation materials are laid across the loft to reduce the rate of heat transfer out of the roof see the picture below.

How does roof insulation work.

Roof insulation sheet foil will reduce the amount of sun s heat that penetrate in summer up to 90 to 97. Radiant barriers are utilized to reduce summer heat gain in attics and help to improve the efficiency of green building envelopes. Glass fibre works as an insulator by traping air. Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be.

To properly ventilate an attic when it s insulated you will need to install rafter vents. Box out light fixtures. Water is insulation s enemy. How does loft insulation work.

Bulky materials resist conductive and to a lesser degree convective heat flow in a building cavity. Also your roofing material will get hotter because the heat won t be able to. It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow. How does reflective insulation work.

Insulation should be kept away from recessed can lights because the insulation does not allow the heat generated by the lights to dissipate. When heat builds up in a recessed can light it can. How does insulation work. The space between the roof and the ceiling is called the loft.

Rigid foam boards trap air or another gas to resist conductive heat flow. Moisture build up can cause leaks and mold and mildew to grow. It will also render better thermal protection in colder situation in winter. But how does it work.

Loft insulation hot water tanks and hot water pipes. Roof insulation and ventilation have to work together to maintain airflow and keep moisture out of the attic. A radiant barrier can lower heat transfer from attics to the building below keep the attic space cooler and lower cooling costs by up to 17 in warmer climates. We take a look at how radiant barriers work the different types of radiant barriers and some of the.

Roof insulation is one of the easiest ways to reduce heat lost in your home and save energy. When the sun heats a roof it s primarily the sun s radiant energy that makes the roof hot. Most common thermal insulation materials like fiberglass work by slowing conductive heat flow but reflective insulation works a little differently. By the afternoon the attic will get quite warm hot and then the insulation installed on the roof rafters will serve to hold that heat in over night and the attic insulation on your ceiling won t be able to cool down over night.