Spray Foam Roofing Insulation , The Process , The Benefits
Spray foam roofing materials are not just for exterior applications. A trend towards spray foam roofing insulation is gaining on popularity everyday. The energy savings is immediate and substantial. Traditional wisdom dictated that home contractors and homeowners do all they could to ventilate their attic crawl spaces to essentially cool the area thus eliminating moisture and thereby saving cooling bills. Quite the contrary is true.
Recent research indicates that cooling an attic crawl space by ventilation may not be the best option. No matter where you live the sun in the summer months produces significant heat transfer to your attic crawl space. Consequently ductwork absorbs the heat, the ceilings absorb the heat and your air conditioner runs continuously trying to keep up. Attic crawl spaces become infernos during the summer months as many have discovered when trying to work in an attic during the heat of the day. Try placing the palm of your hand on any ceiling in your home and you will understand immediately the concept of the heat transfer. Dumping load after load of traditional fiberglass insulation to the crawl space helps but doesn’t solve the problem entirely, the heat is till present and so will the cost of cooling it, usually by powered fans. Still attic temperatures can reach 140 degrees.
Applying spray foam roofing insulation to the underside of your roof will drop attic crawl space temperatures by 40 degrees or more. A roof system insulated with spray foam reduces energy several ways. Ideally ductwork will function best in a controlled air space or environment. An attic crawl space with a lower ambient temperature makes cooling your home easier for your HVAC system. The additional benefits are an airtight roof and a moisture barrier to the inside of your home.
Many new home contractors are offering spray foam roofing insulation as a matter of course to their prospective home buyers. However spray foam roof insulation is not limited to the new home. Contractors across the country can install spray foam roof insulation quickly and usually in one day, You will see the benefits of the process that evening. Any associated cost should be weighed against traditional insulation methods and energy savings. After weighing your option I’m sure you will agree spray foam roofing insulation benefits will far exceed your expectations.