In all cases, it is important to ensure that the insulation is properly installed and that there are no gaps or air leaks, which can compromise the effectiveness of the insulation. Working with a professional insulation contractor like Cozy Insulation Canberra can help ensure that the insulation is installed correctly and provides the desired thermal performance.
The type of roof construction can have a significant impact on the type and placement of insulation used in a home. With over 25% of energy loss occurring through your roof, it’s important to understand the benefits of insulating your Canberra home. There are several common types of roof construction, including pitched roofs, flat roofs and cut roofs, each with unique insulation requirements to suit the extreme seasons and climate zone in Canberra.
Pitched roofs with flat ceilings are the most common type of roof construction in homes in Canberra. The pitch of the roof refers to its slope, while the flat ceiling is the horizontal surface that is attached to the underside of the roof framing.
Insulation for pitched roofs with flat ceilings can be installed in a variety of ways, including batt insulation and blown-in insulation. The type of insulation used will depend on factors such as the depth of the roof space and the desired R-value.
Batt insulation is a common type of insulation for pitched roofs with flat ceilings. It can be installed between the ceiling joists and trusses, and additional layers can be added to increase the R-value. Blow-in granulated insulation is another option, which can be installed using a blow-in machine into the roof space under the tiles or through roofing sheets that have been lifted by the installer.
Flat roofs, on the other hand, require a different approach to insulation. The insulation is typically placed in between the ceiling joists and rafters, under the sarking membrane. This helps to keep the roof deck at a consistent temperature and prevent moisture build-up, which can cause structural damage. Flat roofs may use insulation materials such as blow-in granulated insulation or insulated batts after lifting the sheets and replacing/repairing old sarking.
Cut roofs are constructed with little or zero cavity if lined on the top of the rafters only. In a lot of cases in Canberra, the underside of the rafter is lined therefore leaving a cavity that can be easily insulated with batts or blow-in granulated insulation. Cut roofs can be particularly useful in buildings with height restrictions where you can occupy the roof cavity space with bedrooms or storage areas.
Insulating cut roofs involves placing batts in between the rafters, which requires lifting the tiles or tin. If the underside of the rafters is not lined, Cozy Insulation Canberra can install a ceiling to allow for effective insulation installation.
The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, indicating how well a material resists the flow of heat through it. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation's thermal performance. Canberra building codes and energy efficiency standards require a minimum R5 for insulating homes in the ACT.
