You might not be able to see into your ceiling, but that doesn’t mean what’s between your ceiling and roof isn’t important. Every home needs insulation to keep its occupants warm and protected.
Roof insulation functions as a protective blanket. It can act as a heat protector in cooler climates and a type of cooling technology in warmer areas. Great roofing insulation can also reduce energy costs, with less heat lost through your ceiling.
With these advantages in mind, you might be curious about how you can insulate your roof. Here’s everything you need to know about the process:
Choose a Roofing Insulation Type
When the time comes to insulate your roof, consider talking to a roofing expert about the best type of insulation for your unique roof type. Some insulation types are better suited for some ceiling cavities than others. You generally have four options to choose from:
Loose Fill Insulation
Loose fill insulation made of cellulose or fiberglass is a loose type of insulation you can blow into the hard-to-reach parts of your roof. It generally suits homeowners who can’t easily access their roof cavity.
Fiberglass or cellulose loose fill may be more or less suitable for your ceiling, with cellulose being more temperature-resistant but fiberglass being more fire-resistant.
Spray Foam
While spray foam is among the most expensive insulation types on the market, it’s also one of the most effective and preferred. Spray foam insulation involves spraying polyurethane foam onto the roof deck’s underside to fill in gaps and crevices. The goal is to stop any airflow.
Spray foam is easy to apply, doesn’t break down like other insulation types, and is excellent for temperature control.
Foam Board
Foam board insulation consists of rigid foam boards that roofers can cut to size and place under your roof deck. They are fast and easy to install, but they aren’t waterproof. As a result, homeowners who opt for foam board insulation may need an additional form of water protection in place.
Insulation Rolls
Out of all insulation types, insulation rolls are easily one of the most common to find in the average home. They are made of fiberglass and roll out like blankets below the roof deck and in any nook and cranny. They are among the easiest insulation types to install and help with temperature control. However, as they feature fiberglass, they can irritate your skin when touched.
How to Install Loose Fill Insulation
Roofing experts typically use loose fill insulation machines outside the home and run a long hose from the machine to the ceiling space. As one person directs the hose in the ceiling space, another person is at the machine hopper, putting the loose fill material into it to be broken up and fluffed. These machines are the most effective way to install loose fill insulation.
However, you can also install it by hand with patience. If you’re only topping up insulation already present in your ceiling, you can add fresh fill by hand. Wear a rubber face mask with a filter attachment and break down the loose fill inside a trash can-sized bucket.
Once all the large pieces are broken down, put a drywall compound mixing attachment and a paint mixing attachment onto an electric drill and get to work fluffing up the insulation.
How to Install Spray Foam Insulation
Whether you have closed cell or open cell spray foam insulation, you can install it yourself with the right know-how. The goal is to fill all the spaces between the framing studs in your attic or ceiling space.
Once you have a DIY spray foam insulation kit, perform a test spray to understand just how many times its own volume this insulation expands. The goal is to see how it fills a space.
Spray the insulation foam evenly between the studs and let it expand until it fills all the gaps. Let it set, and cut away any foam that extends past the studs. It should be flush with the studs.
How to Install Foam Board Insulation
Installing foam board insulation in your ceiling is a multi-step process. It involves measuring the area to determine how much insulation to buy and ensuring you cut the insulation boards to the correct size. Remember to wear gloves and safety goggles during this process!
Once you have your pieces of foam board, cover the entire back surface in an adhesive product. Consider using a notched trowel to make a pattern so the insulation boards will stick better to the ceiling. Place them carefully onto the surface and press firmly. You can use a level to ensure it’s straight and even.
When your insulation boards are in place, use a foam sealant or foil tape to seal the edges of the board for an air-tight seal.
How to Install Insulation Rolls
How you install insulation rolls or batt materials in your ceiling can depend on the type of ceiling and roof you have. Different techniques may be required for installing in ceilings with attics, those without, and installing directly to roof decks.
If you’re installing directly to the roof decks, friction-fit the insulation between the attic framing and parallel to it. Ensure the insulation extends to the outside edges and to the peak of the ceiling. All insulation pieces should be butted together and flush to the framing.
If you’re installing batt insulation into a ceiling with an attic, ensure the insulation is friction-fit between and parallel to the framing members. The insulation should extend to the outside edge of any exterior top plates. It should also be flush against ventilation dams.
Finally, make sure the ends of the insulation pieces are flush with the framing’s underside and butted together. If your batts have kraft facing, fasten the kraft to the underside of the framing members.
Homeowners are spoiled for choice regarding how they can insulate their roof spaces. While you can install these roof insulation materials yourself, consider calling in the experts for help. They can ensure the work is completed to a high standard and provide much-needed protection from the elements for years to come.
