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ECM: Building Envelope

B6. Install Roof Insulation

Description

Roof insulation reduces the amount of heat that flows from a dwelling unit through the roof to the cold outside air. By reducing this heat loss, roof insulation reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the dwelling unit in the winter. In the summer, roof insulation saves on cooling costs and keeps buildings more comfortable by reducing the conduction of heat from the hot roof through the ceiling and into the unit.

A material’s resistance to heat flow is measured in units of “R-value”. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating properties. The R-value of insulation depends on the type of insulation and its thickness. 

Applicability

  • Single-family and multifamily buildings with flat or nearly flat roofs and no attics
  • Buildings with no roof insulation

Types

  • Rigid panels

Considerations

  • All insulation must comply with fire codes.
  • Adding roof insulation may increase snow build up in winter because the relatively warm roofs of uninsulated buildings experience some melting of accumulated snow.

Performance/Economics

  • Increasing roof insulation can reduce heating cost by approximately 13 percent.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-29 through 7-32 address roof insulation, applications, and effectiveness.

HUD Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor. Discusses insulation basics.

DOE Insulation Guidance. Information on insulation levels for existing and new homes from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Simply Insulate. A website of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association that provides a variety of information about the benefits of insulating homes. Features include installation information and tools that determine the necessary insulation in your state and your projected energy savings.

 

CAUTION STATEMENT

TURN OFF UTILITIES: Turn off electricity, gas, propane, and other utilities before starting repairs, cleaning, or installations to avoid accident or injury.

BE AWARE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS: Many residences built before 1978 have paint that contains lead, which can pose a serious health hazard if paint, chips, and dust are not handled properly. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead brief before disturbing painted surfaces in homes of this vintage. Follow the HUD "Lead-Safe Housing Rule" for requirements for notification, evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards.

BE AWARE OF ASBESTOS HAZARDS: Homes older than 1977 may have building products that contain asbestos such as insulation, high-temperature gaskets, roofing and siding shingles, and vinyl sheet flooring. See the EPA asbestos brief before disturbing such materials.

BE AWARE OF MOLD AND MOISTURE HAZARDS: Molds can gradually destroy materials they grow on; can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people; can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold; and can cause other serious health problems. To learn more about preventing and cleaning up mold in homes, see these mold guides and the EPA brief on What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas.