A Guide to Pitched Roof Insulation

The difference in your home environment is not because of the weather but for the balance of heat and cold. By that, we can preserve sufficient heat in our homes and maintain a warm environment. The most productive way to do that is by insulating your attic, roof or loft. pitched roof insulation is necessary to prevent extreme temperatures in your homes and to control fall and increase. There are several choices when it comes to rooftop insulation, and they are available according to design, space, climate, access and surface of the attic or roof. One can select from the types of ceiling Insulation and decide exactly how they want it.

Pitched roof Insulation

These regular and straightforward roof Insulation are available according to space, availability and access. You create a warm roof, or a cold roof, simply by applying the layers of the roof in a different order. You have to choose from the climate specifications, and they are-

In a cold roof, the insulation is applied between the rafters, but in a warm roof, the insulation is applied on top of the existing roof surface. A warm roof is recognized as being the most suited form of roofing to the UK climate, providing both a cost and thermally efficient solution.

• Warm Pitched roof

A warm roof building will make the entire structure of the building warm in an attempt to avoid any cold bridging. These Insulation materials go under the roof and beneath the loft space. They function to keep the temperature warm and trap heat. These are very useful for houses in the cold regions, as they keep rooms warm and comfortable with the right temperature regulations. A warm roof construction allows heat to be conserved within a property – without the need for a ventilation system. 

• Cold pitched roof 

A cold pitched roof is where the insulation is placed either ‘between’ or ‘between and under’ the rafters or at ceiling joist level. In Cold pitch roof, the Insulation goes above the surface of the ceiling, keeping the loft space cool and making sure the entire environment is cool and comfortable. Cold roof Insulation is less expensive as there is a lot of space available with deeper insulation materials used. This type of insulation system can be ventilated or not ventilated. However, if the roof is not ventilated then it will require a breathable membrane between the insulation and structure. 

• Condensation

This is the process where one has to make sure that the moist air is prevented from cooling down and condensing. Interstitial condensation occurs when the air reaches the dew point, and it can really affect the building. The roof has to be checked thoroughly before the process of condensation. Hence, Vapor barriers are placed to make sure that the moist air is not able to get into the point. One has to make sure that the moist air goes out and the process of Ventilation occurs, so it can escape and not affect the surface of the ceiling.

Advantages of Pitched Roof over a Flat Roof

The different kinds of roof Insulation

• Blanket insulation 

These are the most common kinds of insulation when it comes to Rooftop insulation. They are also the easiest to install as they come in Foil rolls that go between rafters or joists. Made out of glass wool and mineral, these Blanket insulation are a great way to ensure a comfortable environment in your homes. The usual depth of blanket style insulation ranges from 20-270 mm.

• Space Blanket insulation

Space blanket insulation is an excellent way of improving the thermal efficiency of your home. On top of making your home warmer and cosier, it’s also a great way towards making your home even more energy-efficient.

• Radiant barriers 

They transfer heat by thermal radiation. You usually staple these in the underside of rafters. They are effective in a hot climate, and they are very cost-effective as well. These come in with the thickness of 3-5 mm.

• Foam boards 

Insulated Plasterboard are very useful as when they are shaped according to the spaces and fit well. If you are looking forward to getting foam boards for your attic, then you must know that they are made of Polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane. These have a depth of 175 mm.

• Blow-in insulation 

These work very well between useful spaces in the roof. They are very easy to install; they take no time at all. Made when cellulose mineral fibres are blown into the void in the roof space.

• The Spray foam Insulation 

Spray foam Insulation is made of isocyanate and polyol resin and it increases 100 times to its original volume. You need a professional to do this when you have to make sure that they can handle this carefully and get the job done.

How to install Pitched roof Insulation?

Advantages of Pitched roof Insulation

• 1. Pitched roof insulation provides usable space in the loft 
• 2. As Flat roof is not well-insulated rooms under the flat roof can be cold
• 3. Provides aesthetic look to the property
• 4. The lifespan of pitched roof insulation is much longer than that of flat roof insulation because the material used in the roof are more durable and weather-resistant
• 5. Lower the risk of condensation related issues
• 6. Have the choice of insulating over, between or underneath rafters

Pitched roof insulation requires a careful amount of design consideration to lower the risk of condensation and to meet target U-values, set out in the current Building Regulations.

Firstly, you must know the kind of roof that you are insulating, whether it is a ceiling or a rafter level (Timber roof). This is the process when you are going to stuff Insulation in the loft instead of the spare material that is usually stored in the attic. The roofs of every house have a good amount of space, and this is how we must make use of this space to catch and trap the heat.

The process will start by splitting the insulation into two layers. If the insulator is 180mm then at least 100 mm boards should be placed well between the rafters, with 80 mm board across. The primary motive is to leave no gaps in between for the heat to go out. The arrangement has to be done appropriately in both rafter level and ceilings.

Loft Insulation – Loft insulation is decided by whether the area is to be used for storage later on or simply guarded. If the plan is the former option, then going with rigid foam (150mm) is a better idea and for the later one- the mineral wool (90mm) is the best option as it is easy to install as well. Some of the benefits are –

• 1. One can save from loft insulation because it saves energy but that depends on the size of the house.
• 2. Top-up insulation is very effective, and it makes you save for your homes.
• 3. This saves a lot of power, and that is how one can keep track of an average saving.

Simply, many things are responsible for the right ways of insulation. One has to know the right processes and make use of the right methods to install Insulation. Attic and roof insulations not only control and balance temperatures in your homes but also prevent noise and protect you from fire.