[More than any other area in your home, roof insulation makes a tangible difference to the temperature inside, and will help reduce your power usage significantly.

Does roof insulation really make a difference?

Absolutely. Roof insulation is one of the most important places to insulate in your home because about 35% of heat gain and loss occurs through the roof. Installing quality roof insulation is one of the best steps you can take towards reducing your power usage and creating a pleasant indoor space. It works by slowing down the transfer of heat to keep your home warm during winter and cool during the summer.

There are two main types of ceiling insulation: reflective and bulk. Reflective insulation has a thin foil layer which helps reflect the radiant heat from the sun away from your home while bulk insulation traps millions of tiny air pockets which help slow down the flow of heat into or out of your home.

What R-value do I need for roof insulation?

The R-value of an insulation product indicates how resistant it is to heat flow. Higher R-values mean the product has greater thermal properties and will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer than products with lower R-values. Deciding on what R-value you should choose for your roof insulation depends on your budget and how much energy you want to save.

At Pricewise Insulation, we recommend installing a minimum of R4.0 in your ceiling, no matter where you live. In cooler places such as Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, we recommend upgrading to the highest R-value that your budget allows for. Remember that roof insulation is an investment that takes only a few years to pay back in the form of power savings.

Tips for installing insulation in your roof

The first step before installing any insulation is to calculate how much you will need. This can be done roughly by dividing the square meters of your roof space by the number of square meters in one insulation bag. Reduce this number by 10% to allow for the timber in the roof and that should give you an idea of how many bags you need.

You can install insulation in your roof before it is plastered by simply pushing the insulation batts up between the ceiling joists. Most insulation products sold in Australia will be pre-cut to fit there snugly. However, if it is difficult for the insulation to be installed this way, it can be done from above. Installing from above might also be easier for batts with lower R-values as they tend to be less rigid.

Make sure you have taken the necessary safety measures before attempting to install roof insulation. Gloves and enclosed shoes are a good idea, and safety glasses are very important if you will be installing the ceiling insulation from underneath. If installing the roof insulation from above, try and do so early in the morning before the roof heats up. Lastly, always clean up as you go to avoid any slipping hazards.