How to Reduce Your Energy Bills With Roof Insulation

Charleston, SC, is known for its hot and humid summers, leading to high energy bills due to constant air conditioning. Insulating your roof is an effective option to combat this issue and prepare your roof for the summer. 

Today we explore the benefits of insulation and energy efficiency, the importance of assessing your roof previously, and the best roofers in Charleston to help you get started.

Benefits of Insulating Your Roof

Insulation works by trapping air pockets between material layers, slowing heat transfer through the roof. By encapsulating heat, roof insulation can provide numerous benefits to homeowners. Here are a few of the best benefits!

Energy Savings

Insulating your roof reduces energy consumption, leading to lower energy bills. By preventing hot air from entering your home during the summer and retaining heat in the winter, your HVAC system won't have to work as hard to regulate your home's temperature.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

In addition to lowering energy bills, reducing the energy needed to heat or cool your home protects the environment. Effective insulation reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions your home generates.

Increased Comfort

A well-insulated roof increases comfort by regulating your home's temperature and humidity levels. Not only does it keep your home cooler in the summer, but it also prevents air from becoming too dry in the winter. 

By decreasing heat from your HVAC system, insulation helps maintain healthy humidity levels. In turn, humidity prevents typical winter issues such as dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory problems. 

Indoor Air Quality Improvement 

In addition to maintaining healthy humidity levels, insulation prevents outdoor pollutants and allergens from entering your home, improving indoor air quality. Pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter and allergens (car exhaust fumes, dust, pollen, and smoke from fires) can increase the potential for health issues stemming from the air in your home. 

Noise Reduction

Insulation can also help to reduce noise levels inside your home by absorbing sound waves. If you live in a particularly active neighborhood or near busy streets, you'll appreciate how good roof insulation can keep your home quieter. 

The degree to which these benefits help your home depends on the material you use to insulate your roof. Through a roof assessment, a professional roofer can help you determine what is best for your home's characteristics.   

What Are the Types of Roof Insulation?

Several types of roof insulation are available, each with benefits and drawbacks. Here is a list of the most common types for Charleston area homes.

1. Fiberglass insulation: Made from fine glass fibers, this insulation is one of the most commonly used. It is easy to install and relatively inexpensive. Fiberglass is effective in warm weather like Charleston's but is not the best option for freezing temperatures.

2. Cellulose insulation: This is an eco-friendly option to insulate your roof and is highly effective at blocking heat transfer. However, cellulose is more expensive than fiberglass and might not be the best option for Charleston homes since it doesn't perform optimally in areas with high humidity.

3. Spray foam insulation: This insulating material is applied as a liquid and expands to fill the sprayed space. It provides an airtight seal and can be a good choice for irregularly shaped roofs. Spray foam insulation is more expensive than other insulation types but is effective in warm and cold weather. 

4. Radiant barrier insulation: This insulation reflects heat away from the roof rather than absorbing it. It typically consists of a layer of reflective material, such as aluminum foil, and is most effective in hot climates like Charleston. 

5. Rigid board insulation: Professionals cut this dense, foam-like material to fit between roof joists. It is easy to install and provides a high level of insulation. However, it may not be suitable for irregular roofs.

When deciding on the best material to insulate your Charleston roof, consider the elevated temperatures summers bring, your budget, and specific roof characteristics. 

Requesting a roof assessment from roofing experts before installing insulation is always a good idea. The assessment will ensure you address issues that need repair beforehand, like shingle wear and tear. During the assessment, you can discuss insulation material options with the roofing contractor. 

Insulate Your Home With the Best Roofers in Charleston

Due to its many benefits, like protection from the high temperatures in Charleston, energy savings, and air quality improvement, good roof insulation is a must. In addition, insulation can pay for its installation in the long run by lowering your energy expense.

If you are considering insulating your roof, hiring a professional roofer to conduct a preliminary assessment and install the insulation properly is essential. As the leading roofing company in Charleston, Roofing USA, we provide high-quality insulation materials and expert installation.

Request a Free Inspection with Roofing USA, and we will help you improve your home's energy efficiency.