Homeowners always search for affordable and effective methods to reduce their energy bills, and insulated patio roofing is the ultimate answer to all their questions. Proper insulation can keep interiors warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and here, the term ‘proper insulation’ means the right type of insulation. Yes, you heard it right: different roof insulation types are present in the markets and understanding them to their core will help you narrow down the choices. Let us quickly understand the details of these roof insulations. Later, we will also discuss the benefits of using insulated patio roofing.
WHAT TYPES OF ROOF INSULATION ARE PRESENT?
Before making any decision regarding insulated patio roofing, you must understand the types available and how they differ. The most popular options in terms of roof insulation in Australia are –
• Bulk insulation
• Reflective foil insulation
• Spray foam insulation
Let us understand these three types in detail, beginning with the bulk insulation.
WHAT IS BULK INSULATION USED IN INSULATED PATIO ROOFING?
According to the vendors of the louvred roof systems, bulk insulation is the most common insulation process used in Australia. It is famous for maintaining healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient interiors very quickly. Not to mention, it also keeps interiors comfortable and reduces energy bills significantly. This insulation type uses pockets of trapped air within the structure to resist heat transfer. The thermal resistance is almost the same regardless of the direction of heat flow. Another reason behind the popularity of bulk insulation in insulated patio roofing is the presence of low-density insulation material. It regulates indoor temperature really well, and polyester and glass wool insulation remain the most popular bulk insulation products.
WHAT IS REFLECTIVE FOIL INSULATION?
Another name given to reflective foil insulation is reflective insulation, and it is carried out using a material with a reflective face. In most cases, professionals use aluminium foil or aluminised polyester as the best material for reflective foil insulation, and when done successfully, it can reflect heat by almost 95%. This insulation is used in extreme temperatures to prevent heat from escaping from interiors in winter and entering the interiors in the summer season. Foil insulation is known for its ability to reflect heat, and hence, it is ideal for any property, including residential, industrial, agricultural and commercial buildings. Roof reflective foil insulation is also used in –
• Pole barns that house animals
• Workshop and garages
• Storage units
• Equipment shades
• Vehicles like motorhomes and campervans
• Transportation trucks
• Cargo liner
• Roof trusses and rafters
WHAT IS SPRAY FOAM INSULATION?
Foam insulation is one of the easiest to apply in insulated patio roof. The application process involves spraying two-part liquid insulation on a property using a spraying agent such as a gun. It can be blown into walls, ceilings, crevices, slabs and all other areas to cover all nooks and corners. The product that is basically a liquid suddenly turns into thick foam by extending 100 times of its original size. Compared to other insulation methods, this one is considered more environmentally friendly, as it allows heat to stay in its place, and further, it has many other benefits. Foam insulation is available for insulated patio roofs in two forms and names are – open-cell and closed-cell insulation. Open cell insulation is less expensive than its counterpart, and it is better for reducing noise pollution. Closed-cell insulation performs better in keeping air and water from penetrating the walls. The most significant benefits are described below.
COOLING AND HEATING BENEFITS
The top feature of insulated foam roofing is that it can restrict heat transfer completely by blocking all the cracks, crevices and gaps. Since it is liquid, it can be applied directly into the cracks, where it extends and dries to block air and water thoroughly.
NOISE REDUCTION
Insulated foam roofing is also known for reducing noise pollution better than all other insulation types discussed in this post. Open-cell spray foam insulation performs better in reducing the noise coming from the outside.
NO POLLENS AND ALLERGENS
Spray foam insulation also guarantees to reduce the amount of pollens and allergens entering your property through the walls to almost zero. The cracks, crevices, gaps, etc., will be closed.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT INSULATION FOR YOUR INSULATED PATIO ROOF??
Several factors must be considered when choosing the suitable insulation method for your property. Of course, your budget will be your top priority, but apart from this, it is essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of all insulation types available in the market. You can also consider the following points while selecting.
DETERMINE THE R-VALUE
The R-value measures the thermal resistance that your insulation type will offer. According to the vendors of louvred roof systems, the higher the R-value of your insulation, the better insulation you will get for your property. In other words, you must choose the insulation method with a higher R-value, but remember, insulation methods with a higher R-value will also be expensive. Experts recommend considering the R-value between 3.5 and 5 in the type of winter season that Australia experiences.
DETERMINE THE MOISTURE RESISTANCE
While choosing the right insulation for your method, you should also consider the moisture resistance-related property of all the available options. Keeping this factor in mind, you can ignore insulation materials like cellulose and wool, as they are not suitable during humid and wet conditions. In such situations, spray foam insulation and insulation that includes fibreglass, polyester, and rock wool are better.
DETERMINE THE COST AS WELL
The last factor that influences the selection process is the budget you have to purchase the insulation material. Reflective foil insulation is the most economical option, but it also offers less functionality than foam insulation. It is also less effective in keeping your home warmer in winter. The most expensive is the spray foam insulation, which has the highest R-value and performs incredibly well to keep your property cosy and comfortable all year round.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INSULATED PATIO ROOFING?
ENJOY THERMAL BENEFITS
The weather is completely unpredictable in Australia, and in this situation, insulated patio roofing can be beneficial, as it withstands extreme weather conditions very easily. You can keep your interiors comfortable while regulating your patio’s interiors. Apart from this, you also enjoy complete protection from weather conditions such as rain, wind, too much sunlight and so on.
ENJOY LONGEVITY AND DURABILITY
Insulated patio roofing solutions are built to last and come with extended warranties for your complete peace of mind. The materials used in manufacturing these installations are designed to resist different climate conditions easily and stand tall for a long time to save you money in the long term.
ENERGY-EFFICIENCY
An immediate benefit of insulated patio roofing is the reduction in energy bills. The insulation properties will help you reduce the need for heating and cooling systems for your property, and this way, you will reduce your energy bills while enhancing your property’s value.
