Insulation is an essential component to your roof and overall building envelope. Essentially, roof insulation is a layer of material that is installed under the roof membrane to create a thermal barrier between the inside of your building and the outside weather. Not only does it help keep your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but it helps with increased energy-efficiency and is crucial in reducing the overall heating and cooling costs for your building.
Importance of Insulation
Your roof is crucial to protecting your building and your assets. While your roof membrane is your first line of defense against the elements, the next layer is your insulation. Often times, your insulation plays 3 key roles in the overall function of your roof: thermal barrier, drainage and working platform. Not only is it key that your roof membrane is functioning properly, but your insulation is crucial to getting the full service life out of your roof.
Understanding R-values
Understanding the R-values of your roof is critical when determining how your insulation is performing. An R-value (Resistance Value) is a measure of thermal insulation that takes into account all of the layers in your roof system. Every type of insulation has a different R-value. Having the right R-value for your individual building is critical in ensuring you’re getting the most value out of your roof insulation.
Protect your Insulation
Often times throughout the life of your building and roof, the roof installation serves as a working platform during maintenance and construction. Make sure that your insulation is equipped to handle maintenance or construction crews by using cover boards over your insulation or by having insulation that has ample compressive strength. Another recommendation is to install walkways so personnel have easy access around your roof.
Inspections are Necessary
It’s important to have regular inspections of your roof insulation to ensure everything is functioning properly. Poorly installed or maintained roofs and insulation can lead to wet or damaged insulation. Wet insulation can promote mold growth and increase the weight of the roof. This can also have an impact on oxidizing roofing fasteners and other components that affect the roof system.
Understanding the important role that insulation plays in the overall life of your roof will help you make better roofing decisions for your building and your business. Ultimately, having a thorough understanding of all the components of your roofing system will help maximize your ROI and keep your building in great shape.
Learn more about our roofing systems and how we can help keep your building insulated here