Techniques and Materials for Attic Roof Insulation
It goes without saying that no one wants to feel cold at home, particularly during Quebec’s bitter winters. Since warm air tends to rise more easily than cold air, your attic insulation needs to be perfect in order to keep the heat inside your home.
In this article, our prefabricated roof truss manufacturers explain how to save energy with the right attic roof insulation and keep your home comfortable throughout the winter!
Consider the type of roof you have when planning your insulation project
The best way to insulate a building’s attic depends on the type of roof and the construction method used.
For example, if your house has a cathedral ceiling or a flat or low-pitched roof, it will be more difficult to insulate because the attic space tends to be very small and difficult to access. Conversely, houses with a standard medium-pitch roof built using prefabricated wood trusses offer more insulation options.
Ways to insulate your attic
The simplest and cheapest solution for attic insulation is the so-called cold attic. This technique involves placing insulation directly between the ceiling of the upper floor and the attic floor, which prevents heat from penetrating into the attic. With this method, only the attic floor is insulated.
However, if your attic is used as living or storage space, the best solution is to completely insulate the roof, which requires the installation of thermal insulation materials on all surfaces. This method is similar to the method of insulating a wood-frame house because the insulation material is inserted between the roof framing components. This is a slightly more expensive option, but it keeps the attic room warm and comfortable.
The best materials for attic roof insulation
More types of thermal insulation materials have become available in recent years. While some types of attic roof insulation are relatively simple to install, others require specialized equipment and professional expertise. If you’re wondering which kind of insulation is best for the wood frame walls of your attic, here are four options to consider.
1. Insulating wool
Glass fibre or mineral wool is probably one of the most common types of thermal insulation. It is widely used for wood-frame walls and floors, but is also effective for attic roof insulation.
2. Bulk and blown-in insulation
Bulk insulation materials such as blown cellulose and hemp are most suitable for insulating flat roofs and cold attics, as they settle and form a very dense insulation layer compared to materials in rolls or sheets. Furthermore, this method can also be used to fill gaps that are difficult to access using the dry blowing method.
3. Polystyrene foam panels
Polystyrene foam panels are mold-resistant and offer excellent thermal insulation for their thickness. They are most often used for wall insulation, but they are also effective for attic roof insulation. Simply insert them between the structural elements of the roof you want to insulate and they will act as a thermal bridge. This method is particularly effective for insulating older homes.
4. Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is one of the most efficient insulators thanks to its acoustic performance, low thermal conductivity and vapour permeability. When professionally applied in an attic, the foam easily covers all shapes and fills cracks and gaps to form a seamless surface.
How much does attic roof insulation cost?
The cost of insulating your attic depends on several factors. The first is, of course, the type of material you use as insulation. For example, it will cost about three times more to use expanded polystyrene than cellulose or fiberglass.
The second major factor to consider when estimating the cost of insulating your attic is labour. Are you planning to do the work yourself or hire professionals?
Easier attic roof insulation with UsiHome
In short, attic roof insulation will definitely help you save energy, no matter which method you choose. However, if you take the time to assess your needs and consider the function of your attic and the layout of the roof structure, you can reduce your energy consumption and monthly bills even further.
The wood roof trusses manufactured by UsiHome make it easy to insulate your attic, whether you choose a traditional model, one with a flat roof or one with living space. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Our prefabricated structure specialists will be happy to help you increase the energy efficiency of your construction project!