Metal Roof Insulation Types – Pros, Cons & Expenses

Key Takeaways:

1. Insulating your metal roof is essential for energy savings, comfort, and noise reduction.
2. Insulation options include rigid board, spray foam, fiberglass batts, reflective, and blown-in insulation.
3. Rigid board insulation is durable and moisture-resistant but can be expensive and have reduced effectiveness from gaps.
4. Spray foam insulation has a high R-value and prevents water damage. Still, it requires professional installation and can be costly.
5. Fiberglass batts are easy to install and cost-effective but have health risks during installation and may not be suitable for irregularly shaped roofs.

Roofing is a crucial component of any building, whether residential or commercial. It protects the occupants and assets inside the building from external elements. A decent-quality roof with proper maintenance will last for at least 15 years. In recent years, metal roofing has become a popular option. The metal roof market is expected to grow from $23.8 billion to $33.5 billion (2020 to 2030). The roofing option provides countless benefits, from high durability to 40-70-year longevity and aesthetic appeal.

While metal roofs provide several benefits, choosing the proper insulation is just as important. Tiger Roofing LLC will explore the different metal roof insulation, the benefits and drawbacks, and the cost involved in the installation. Whether you’re looking to make your property more energy efficient or extend your metal roof lifespan, this guide will surely benefit you. So, let’s begin and understand what insulation options work well with a metal roof. 

Why Do You Need Insulation for Your Metal Roof?

Insulation helps reduce energy costs and saves money in the long run. It also improves comfort by regulating temperatures and keeping the heating or cooling system from working too hard throughout the year. Other advantages of metal roof insulation are:

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

Installing an adequately insulated metal roof can save you up to 15% on your energy bills. The average U.S. household pays $122 per month in utility costs, which means by the end of the year, you could save at least an extra $220!

2. Noise Reduction

Metal roofs are naturally noisy because of rain and storms. However, insulation can dampen the noise from outside, so you don’t need to worry about it too much! It can help alleviate the stress of living in a noisy environment.

3. Thermal Control

Metal roof insulation helps regulate the temperature inside your home, keeping it cooler during summer and winter. It can also be beneficial for attic rooms, which usually get too hot or too cold, depending on the season.

Metal Roof Insulation Options to Consider

Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of insulating your metal roof, let’s take a look at some of the different types of insulation available:

1. Rigid Board Insulation

Rigid board insulation is made of polystyrene or polyisocyanurate foam and is used for metal roofing. It can be cut to fit the specific size of your roof, making it easy to install.

Pros

1. Rigid board insulation prevents air infiltration and provides a thermal barrier that keeps temperatures even throughout the home.
2. It’s durable and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for metal roofing.
3. Rigid board insulation is an excellent choice for thermal efficiency. Its R-value (capacity to resist heat flow) is particularly high in a panel form. This value can further be augmented by adding more dense boards. Thicker boards will result in an even higher R-value than thinner ones!

Cons

1. Rigid board insulation is not the most cost-effective option.
2. If not installed correctly, gaps in the insulation can form, reducing its effectiveness at trapping heat or preventing air infiltration.
3. There may be better options for insulating large spaces than using them.

Expenses

For a 100-square-foot roof, you can anticipate paying between $2.40 and $3.75 per square foot. That’s up to $375 before any labor costs come into the equation! It’s always recommended to contact a professional roofer in the matter if you want precise pricing information for your particular job.

2. Spray Foam Insulation

As the name implies, it is directly sprayed onto the metal roof. It is one of the most popular insulation methods. This insulation is easily applied via high-pressure spray machinery using water and heat. As the polyurethane liquid interacts with air and evaporates, it immediately expands into the rigid foam – this process takes only minutes! It dries quickly to create an impressively thick layer for optimal protection against external elements.

Pros

1. Spray foam has a high R-value, which can increase depending on being cut into different shapes on the thickness of the foam.
2. As it’s applied through spraying, it can fill up any nooks, crannies, and crevices in the metal roof more quickly than other types of insulation.
3. Spray foam is impermeable to air, mold, and mildew, making it great for preventing water damage.
4. It can drastically reduce energy costs as it keeps temperatures inside incredible during the summer months and warm during winter.

Cons

1. Even though spray foam insulation has a high R-value, its effectiveness depends on correct installation. So, you must ensure that the person doing this job is qualified and experienced.
2. Installation costs are relatively high as spray foam needs to be applied with specialized machinery by professionals, not just any DIY enthusiast.

Expenses

Spray foam insulation is an investment that can be pricey; as it needs professional services and specialized equipment, the cost usually amounts to around $10,000. Again you should consult a professional roofer to get a more accurate estimate.

3. Fiber Glass Batts

This insulation comprises fine-threaded formations woven together and intermixed with other materials to create a robust insulating pad. It is crafted with the same glass material found in traditional glassware,

Pros

1. Fiberglass batts are relatively easy to insulate with, more so than spray foam and other materials like rock wool.
2. It requires minimal labor and little specialized machinery, making it a cost-effective insulation method.
3. It is fire, water, and pest resistant, making it an all-around safe option for your home or business.

Cons

1. Because fiberglass insulation can settle over time, it needs to be inspected regularly to ensure no settling happens in the interior spaces of your metal roofing system. It can cause issues like drafts and less efficient thermal protection in the future.
2. Fiberglass batts have a lower R-value than other materials. It may make it less energy efficient.

Expenses

Depending on the size and type of batts you need, fiberglass insulation can range anywhere from $0.88 to $1.64 per square foot, making it one of the most affordable insulation options.

Related: Why Is Metal Roofing The Wave Of the Future?

Conclusion

In conclusion, metal roof insulation is essential to any metal roofing system. It can protect your building from the elements and keep it comfortable year-round. There are various types of metal roof insulation, each with its pros, cons, and expenses. To ensure you get the best results for your budget, do your research and choose a type that works for you. With the proper insulation, you can enjoy your metal roof for years!

Maintain your Metal Roof By Getting Insulation Done by Professional Roofers in Terrell, TX

Are you looking for an experienced roofing contractor in Terrell, TX? Look no further than Tiger Roofing LLC. We have the expertise needed for comprehensive maintenance of all metal roofs, including their vital insulation requirements! With us, you can be confident that your property’s rooftop will stay strong and protected for years. Contact us and get a free estimate for your metal roofing needs.