Home insulation

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Year-round savings with the right insulation

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A basic principle we all learn in the school science classroom is that hot air rises and cold air sinks. This fundamental aspect of physics is important when undertaking projects to insulate your home. 

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Roof insulation
Most roof insulation products are available in rolled bundles, usually at a predetermined size and length. There are a range of products available. So what should you choose? One prohibiting factor is the pitch and design of your roof. Obviously, a flat roof will present problems, as you may need to completely lift the roofing materials in order to lay down the insulation. The same applies to buildings where there is no ceiling. In these circumstances, effective insulation may be problematic. Incidentally, thatch is a natural insulator and generally retains heat quite well, so thatched roofs are generally energy efficient. However, modern thatched buildings often incorporate some form of insulation underlying the thatch.

 

If you have a pitched roof with workable space, then climb through the trapdoor and determine how easy it will be to install the insulation. The spacing between the roof trusses may vary according to the roof design. If heavy tiles are used, then the trusses are usually closer together than those where a lighter material is used, hence homeowners should never randomly change the roofing material without first consulting a structural engineer.

 

Keen to learn more? Pick up a copy of our March/April 2019 issue and read the full article by Warren Schmidt