Roof Insulation How It Works

To understand how insulation works it helps to understand heat flow which involves three basic mechanisms conduction convection and radiation.

Roof insulation how it works.

This air is a rally bad conductor and so reduces the amount of conduction going on. To properly ventilate an attic when it s insulated you will need to install rafter vents. Before any work begins the condition of the roof itself should be assessed and any leaks damp problems or structural issues addressed. Heat insulation in buildings.

The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces including the air ducts and the attic floor. Heat can pass through walls roofing windows and doors the floor and even through your framework. They are placed under the roof sheathing between rafters. How does loft insulation work.

Your essential guide to insulating lofts and attic rooms. Moisture build up can cause leaks and mold and mildew to grow. The ideal time to install insulation is when re roofing although above rafter insulation raises the height of the roof which. Conduction is the way heat moves through materials such as when a spoon placed in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand.

Roof insulation and ventilation have to work together to maintain airflow and keep moisture out of the attic. So back to how insulation works. The space between the roof and the ceiling is called the loft. A radiant barrier works best when it is perpendicular to the radiant energy striking it.

Using different materials and insulation helps to control how much heat is allowed through. Glass fibre works as an insulator by traping air. The way heat can be transferred in or out of a home. Glass fibre or other loft insulation materials are laid across the loft to reduce the rate of heat transfer out of the roof see the picture below.

Reflective insulation is particularly useful in hotter climates in the north of australia.