Metal roof insulation is a challenge that demands skill and expertise from a roofing contractor. In this report, we’ll explore the technical and financial aspects of most relevance to home owners looking to insulate their metal roofing.
Metal roof insulation helps eliminate two problems that home owners often face – condensation and loss of heat. Metals are good conductors of heat and whenever there is a difference of temperature between the interiors of the building and the exterior, there is heat transfer.
And when temperatures drop, water condenses on metal panels. Adding a layer of insulation can get rid of this problem. There are different ways to insulate metal roofs. Let’s talk about the most popular ones next.
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Fiberglass Batts or Glass Mineral Wool Metal Roof Insulation
Commonly used for roof insulation until recently, fiberglass batts formed a physical barrier between the metal roof and the building’s interior. The batts are placed side to side on the roof rafters. They do not form a continuous barrier and hence air can flow through them, causing heat loss.
The insulation batts themselves are not closed systems and hence flows through the batts but a little slowly. These batts need a vapor barrier. They can not be placed directly underneath the metal roof as the condensation formed under the metal roof can seep into the metal roof insulation material and can ruin it. Water is an excellent heat transmitter and if gets into the insulation batts, they will need to be replaced.
Leaving a gap of about 15 cm beneath the roof allows the air to freely circulate under the metal roof and above the insulation barrier, preventing condensation of water. But this allows some amount of heat loss.
This type of insulation is not great for metal roofs because neither condensation nor heat loss problems are addressed effectively. Also, building such an intricate fiberglass insulation system adds to cost of your roofing.
Polyurethane Spray Foam Metal Roof Insulation
Spraying the undersides of a metal roof with a thick layer of polyurethane spray foam insulates the roof, eliminating the problem of very cold buildings in winter and hot interiors in summer. As it is a spray unlike a physical barrier like batts the foam gets into all the crevices and gaps and forms a complete seal preventing any thermal leakage.
The spray can either be applied to bottom or top surfaces of the roofing metal. This is a much better metal roof insulation than fiberglass batts. The thickness of the spray applied will give you the U rating of the insulation – which indicates the thermal value. The thicker the layer the better the insulation. Just one-inch of the foam will prevent the formation of condensation under the metal roofing.
If the roof needs to be renovated and insulated then polyurethane spray insulation is a effective option but financially speaking and also has an effective heat barrier. To achieve the same insulation capacity you will need 20 cm thickness of batts which can be achieved by 10 cm of polyurethane foam.
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Radiant Barrier Spray Metal Roof Insulation
The world is facing the stark reality of energy shortage in a few decades time. It is financially and environmentally in our favor to reduce energy usage to the minimum level possible. An effective layer of insulation to seal the home and prevent unnecessary loss of conditioned air – whether hot or cold – helps reduce energy loss.
A reflective insulation and radiant barrier layer will help keep the home comfortable with a lower energy use and save money on the electricity bills. All buildings whether home or office can benefit with a layer metal roof insulation under the panels. The insulation can be done over open rafters, over new roof decking or over existing shingles.
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A layer of felt paper, waterproofing layers should be placed below the reflective insulation. The foil can be placed horizontally or vertically on the roof deck as needed. A double layer of horizontal and vertical layer is also sometimes done in very hot or cold places.
Nail it down in place using felt nails of 4′ length. This prevents the ripping away of the insulation in very windy conditions or stormy weather.
Make sure to overlap the foil when laying it down on the roof. The foil seams have to be taped down to effectively seal it off against water seepage and as a vapor barrier. This metal roof insulation can be installed either on top over a older roof deck or under a new roof.
Here we have touched upon 3 methods of metal roof insulation.
When re-roofing or installing a new roof, adding the optimum metal roof insulation is much easier than when your renovating it. Office buildings and businesses need to do this without disrupting the work and loss of valuable business days.
Experienced and well-trained roofing and insulation experts will be able to advice on the most effective way to add the insulation without too much hassle for the business. Metal roof insulation can be the best way to a more energy efficient home.
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Metal Roof Shingles
Expensive But Worth The Price
Metal roof shingles are costly and are considered a premium roofing solution, as they offer style, class, elegance, looks, functionality, durability and energy-efficiency. These high-end roofing providers have found loyal and dependable support because of their superior products that offer lasting solution to roofing needs.
These roofs offer more than just protection against the elements. They offer a green solution to those concerned about the environmental impact of frequently replacing their roofs. The roofs are also energy efficient and help keep homes cool due to their high reflectivity.
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Kynar 500 is a reflective pigment that is generally coated on most metal roofs. This offers superior reflection properties to the roof and helps with metal roof insulation. Most of the direct and ambient sunlight are deflected back leaving the room much cooler and pleasanter. The energy costs saved due to the installation of metal roof shingles are substantial and price of the roof is recovered by the savings in energy costs.
Metal shingles were not generally a roof of choice till some years ago. Generally associated with roofing for sheds and barns, they were shunned as they were considered noisy and ugly.
As metal roof shingles improved in looks and performance homemakers started taking notice. They are not taking up metal roofing in a big convinced about its long-term value and its trouble free service. There are so many benefits to metal roof shingles that it would be unwise not to adopt them if the budget permits.
AstonWood Steel Shingles
Metal roof shingles are very similar to wood shake shingles. But, in terms of function they are head and shoulders above a galvanized steel roof. They are much better when compared to wood roofs. In appearance too they have a better impact than wood.
So, if you are planning on wood shake shingles then Astonwood steel shingles may be better option as they last longer and they do not have any problems associated with wood shake shingles like rot, curl and mold. They also save lot of energy in cooling costs because of their better reflection of sun’s radiation.
The shingles are sold with a 50 year manufacturer warranty which also covers the finish of the product. As the warranty is transferable to any new homeowner of your house it is asset to you home as it increases the resale value. The roof is light-weight and easily installed by trained and skilled roof contractors. They are strong and tough providing good protection for your home against the vagaries of nature.
StoneCrest Tile Shingles
Another roofing option in metal roof shingles is the StoneCrest tile shingles which offers a classic appearance and sophisticated air to your home. These come with 50 years warranty including against wind damage. A special coating prevents dirt from sticking to the roof and the ageing process is slowed down.
