A GUIDE TO INSULATING YOUR ROOF
Insulating your roof has many benefits. In addition to maintaining a pleasant indoor temperature in summer and winter, proper insulation of the roof can limit the formation of moisture and help maintain a healthy interior. Also, a roof with poor insulation can cause up to 30% of energy losses!
SHOULD I INSULATE THE ROOF FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE?
The insulation of your roof can be done from the inside or the outside:
- Insulating from the outside has several advantages. In addition to avoiding your emptying any rooms in the attic, insulation from the outside does not cause a decrease in your living space and limits the risk of thermal bridges. This is a preferred solution if you are renovating a facade or roof. Among other benefits, this techniques leaves the frame apparent from the attic.
- Insulation from the inside is an adequate solution, mainly in a new construction. This roof insulation method is ideal if you have not yet fitted out the attic and allows you to keep the roof covering system unscathed.
WHICH MATERIAL SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR INSULATION FROM THE OUTSIDE?
For external insulation, you have several options. Choose the one that best suits your circumstances.
- Sandwich panels
Designed for optimal thermal insulation, the sandwich panels fit together perfectly and are easy to install.
- Breathable roofing underlayment
Membranes (or underlayments) greatly improve the tightness and strength of the roof. Theycontribute to air circulation and guarantee a healthy and airtight cover.
- Asphalt underlayment
The bituminous membranes effectively protect the roof and the frame of your home. They are waterproof and prevent the infiltration of sand, pollen, dust,...
Their use is particularly recommended for the insulation of roof terraces.
WHICH MATERIAL TO CHOOSE FOR INTERIOR INSULATION?
There are 5 types of insulation for your roof. To choose the most suitable method for your project, we offer an overview of the benefits of each process.
- Cellulose wadding
In addition to its longevity, it has excellent thermal inertia and good sound insulation for the roof.
- Glass wool
A natural insulating material, glass wool traps the air and offers efficient thermal and sound insulation. It is not flammable.
- Expanded polystyrene
Made from crude oil, expanded polystyrene is a lightweight material with good insulation and impermeability properties.
- Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane offers good thermal and acoustic insulation for the roof, as well as high mechanical strength.
- Stone wool
Stone wool is obtained after a melting process. It is a material that benefits from good thermal insulation. Its sound insulation is superior to that provided by glass wool.
