Foam Roof Insulation

Consider The Pros And Cons Of Foam Roof Insulation

Deciding what type of insulation to use in a house is an important part in the building process. It is especially important to find the right insulation for the roof. The roof insulation needs to have proper ventilation, and it needs to be able to let water escape. Fiberglass insulation is a popular choice for many homes, but foam roof insulation is another option to look in to. There are many pros and cons to using foam insulation.

Spray foam is made from polyurethane. It is sprayed on as a liquid which then expands to create a sufficient insulating product. The spray foam roof insulation can sprayed directly to the underside of the roof. This is a great option for houses that have heating and cooling equipment installed in the attic. In some cases, foam insulation has a higher r-value than other insulation, and that means lower energy bills for those types of houses. However, foam insulation can sometimes cost more than other insulation, but it is said to need less repair than other insulation as well. Cost for this insulation ranges from $750 to $1,100. Dow Building Solutions has STYROFOAM as a part of their THERMAX Wall Systems. STYROFOAM has an r-value from 6.1 to 6.4 per inch. FOAMETIX spray foam has an r-value ranging from 3.4 to 6.25. It is important to make sure that the r-value is worth the extra money being spent for the foam insulation.

Using foam insulation on a roof has its down side as well as benefits. The attic of a house is where any excess water vapor escapes. If the foam roof insulation blocks the escape of the water, it could significantly damage the structure of the house. When using foam insulation in an attic, it is important to install the open-cell variety of foam. With this type of foam, if the roof has a leak the water will drip through the foam instead of getting stuck in the wood and rotting the roof. Asphalt shingles may have a problem with foam insulation because it has a tendency to make them over heat. In some cases, applying spray foam to the underside of the roof will void certain warranties on roofing products. A consumer should always check the warranties before deciding to install foam insulation.

While foam insulation is a great product, it may not be right for every home. Consumers should consider the pros and cons carefully before making the choice to install foam roof insulation.