Importance Of Roofing Insulation In The Midwest

Kansas City residents are no strangers to extreme weather or the resulting expensive energy bills. Many homeowners are shocked to learn that a quarter of the heat in a home is lost through the roof. Luckily, this is an easy and cost-effective fix solved by combining energy-efficient roof tiles with the best residential or commercial roof insulation. 

Learn more about roof tile options in the Kansas City metro area. 

Roof Tiles And Energy Efficiency

The materials you select for your reroofing project will play a big role in its energy efficiency. The combined effect of roof tiles, decking, and air space between the tiles allows for better air circulation and reduces direct heat transfer by up to 50%. Air conditioning costs are lower in the summer and the formation of ice dams (ridges of ice that prevent melting snow from draining off the roof) decreases in the winter.

Thermal emittance allows Stoneworth roof tiles to emit heat back into the air instead of absorbing it into the home so that the inside of your house stays cool when it is warm outside. 

Unlike other roofing materials that overlap on the surface of the roof, clay and concrete roof tiles are individually installed. This provides natural airspace that serves as a thermal barrier, reducing heat flux transfer. 

Additional savings are available on the installation of new energy-efficient roofs through the Residential Energy-Efficiency Tax Credit. Currently expanded through December of 2021, this program allows building owners to save 10 percent or up to $500 on products like tile roofs that meet Energy Star requirements. 

Types Of Roofing Insulation

Your roof protects your home from the elements but it has helped along the way. Insulation provides an additional barrier from both cold and heat as well as the prevention of mold and other conditions caused by excess moisture buildup. Roofing insulation is rated by R-value, with higher values representing more insulating materials. There are several materials used to insulate roofing in Kansas City.

Batt insulation is usually made of fiberglass and is very easy and inexpensive to install, though the glass fibers may be irritating and dangerous during installation for people without experience or proper safety equipment. Their r-value is fairly low so they do not provide a lot of insulation compared to other types. 

Loose-fill insulation can be made with either fiberglass or cellulose. Both types are blown into less-accessible spaces. Cellulose has a higher R-value and is more durable and eco-friendly but can catch fire easier than fiberglass filling.

Spray Foam insulation is applied by spraying plastic to the underside of the roof deck. Spray foam must be applied by a contractor and it is more expensive than other options but it remains a popular choice. Durable and eco-friendly, the foam fills up all gaps, reducing energy bills and offsetting the initial investment of $1500 to $3000 for an average home. 

Rigid insulation boards are made primarily from 3 different types of foam and the cost and performance depend on the type you choose. Polyisocyanurate or polyiso foam boards are the most expensive of the three with the highest r-value while extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are not as durable and may be vulnerable to sunlight exposure over time, but the lower cost attracts some builders and homeowners. Polyisocyanurate is the most popular choice for flat commercial roofing due to the thinness of the material.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are another foam option. Made from less expensive trees, SIPs are durable and energy-efficient, but they were not designed to be wet and require an additional barrier to avoid letting moisture into the home. 

Cost Of Roofing Insulation

Like any other building material, the cost of roofing insulation varies widely based on many factors. The materials themselves account for just a  portion of the cost. If you will hire a contractor to install the insulation, that is an additional expense that must be accounted for. It is important to also consider the impact of roofing insulation on energy bills. The more expensive choices are generally those that insulate better, reducing your monthly energy payments. Repairs or replacements due to vulnerabilities in the type of insulation you choose will also affect your final cost.  

The Best Roofing Materials For Midwest Homes

Whether you are a homeowner looking to raise your property values, a commercial building owner seeking to lower your costs or a contractor who wants to offer your clients the best product possible, Stoneworth building products will meet and exceed your expectations. 

Order clay and concrete roof tiles for your next re-roofing project in Kansas City.