Green Collar Roofing & Exteriors Middletown and Orange County Roofers

Can You Add Insulation to Your Attic During a Roof Replacement?

As a building performance specialist with over 20 years of experience, I highly recommend that homeowners take advantage of the opportunity to add insulation to their attic during a roof replacement project. Not only can this improve the energy efficiency of your home, but it can also prevent future issues such as ice damming. Let’s explore the benefits of adding insulation during a roof replacement in more detail.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Did you know that heating and cooling account for about 50% of the energy used in the average home? By adding insulation to your attic during a roof replacement project, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. This is because insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow, keeping warm air inside during the winter and outside during the summer.In addition to reducing energy consumption, adding insulation can also help to reduce your energy bills. By using less energy to heat and cool your home, you’ll see a noticeable decrease in your monthly utility bills.

Prevention of Ice Damming

Ice damming occurs when snow on your roof melts, runs down to the colder eaves, and refreezes, creating an ice dam. These ice dams can damage your roof, gutters, and even your home’s interior. However, adding insulation to your attic during a roof replacement project can prevent ice damming from occurring in the first place.When you add insulation to your attic, you’re creating a barrier that prevents heat from escaping through the roof. This keeps the roof cold, which prevents snow from melting and refreezing on the eaves. By preventing ice damming, you’re protecting your home from potential water damage and costly repairs.

Types of Insulation

When adding insulation to your attic during a roof replacement project, there are a few different types of insulation to choose from. The most common types of insulation are rolls, batts, and blown-in insulation.Rolls and batts are made of fiberglass or mineral wool and come in pre-cut lengths. They’re easy to install and are typically used during roof replacement projects because they can be layered over the existing insulation. Blown-in insulation, on the other hand, is made of cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool and is blown into the attic using a special machine. Blown-in insulation is great for attics with irregular joist spacing or hard-to-reach areas but requires a lot of set up and preparation which makes it difficult to apply quickly during a roofing project.

Determining the Right R-Value

The R-value is a measure of an insulation material’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation is. The appropriate R-value for your home will depend on your climate zone and the type of insulation you choose.  Most of the time we add R-30 fiberglass insulation layered over what’s existing to increase the R-value quickly so we can close the roof and get it water tight as soon as possible.At Green Collar, our team of experts can assess your home’s current insulation situation and recommend the best type of insulation and appropriate R-value for your climate zone. We’ll take into account factors such as the size of your attic, the existing insulation, timeframe, and your budget to provide you with a customized solution that meets your needs.

Saving Time and Money

Adding insulation to your attic during a roof replacement project is a smart investment that can save you time and money in the long run. By taking advantage of the opportunity to add insulation while the roof is open, you’re saving yourself the hassle and expense of having to remove and replace the roof in the future.In addition, by improving the energy efficiency of your home, you’re reducing your monthly utility bills and potentially increasing the value of your home. Investing in insulation during a roof replacement project is a win-win situation for homeowners.

So What’s the Verdict?

Adding insulation to your attic during a roof replacement project is definitely a smart investment that can improve the energy efficiency of your home, prevent ice damming, and save you time and money in the long run. At Green Collar Roofing & Exteriors, we’re experts in building performance and can provide you with a customized solution.

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