Has the winter season set in, and your home feels chilly even though the heat is on? Well, this is a clear sign the building is experiencing heat loss. It’s your responsibility to conserve indoor heat whenever it’s cold outdoors to reduce energy costs throughout the chilly season. However, this task isn’t usually as easy as it might seem, particularly if the heat is escaping via the roof.
How does heat loss occur?
If your home isn’t properly insulated, warm air can escape via the roof through a process known as convection. The warm air that’s distributed throughout your house by the heating system eventually rises towards the ceiling. If it finds the roofing cold, the heat will dissipate slowly through convection, the same way a hot cup of tea does when left to stay in a cold surrounding. You will know your home is experiencing heat loss if the energy bills increase significantly, you have ice dams on the roofing or gutters and frozen pipes, or when the indoor temperatures keep fluctuating.
Luckily, there are various solutions you can consider when you find yourself in this predicament. You can increase the thermostat to a high setting and find ways to prevent the heat from escaping. The first option will offer a short-term solution, so you will still need the second option to sustain warmth in the living space and avoid paying high energy bills.
Most roofing systems today have insulation materials that prevent heat loss. Lack of insulation materials or improper installation and worn-out insulation causes warm air to escape, which increases heating costs during the cold season. Have your roof inspected by a reliable residential roofing company.
How will insulation fix the problem?
If you’d like to ensure heat doesn’t escape, your roofing will need to be protected from the three primary means of heat loss: convection, radiation, and conduction. The most suitable way to attain this objective is lining the roofing system with excellent insulating material so the heat doesn’t escape. Some of the materials you can consider include:
Foam – this insulation material is known for its effectiveness at conserving heat. Currently, it comes in two forms: a liquid that’s sprayed directly on the attic area and boards that are cut to fit the target area before installation. The liquid foam expands slowly to fill the spaces and create an air-tight seal.
Cellulose fiber – this is another popular insulation material made of recycled paper. Most people prefer using it because it’s effective at insulating and is affordable. Besides, it’s treated before processing to make it fire-resistant.
Fiberglass – this material is known for offering quality insulation and longevity. It also comes in various shapes and sizes, either in rolled sheets or square cut sections. You can also get the fibers that are mixed with adhesive then sprayed on the target area.
What other solutions can you consider?
Other than insulating your structure, you can invest in additional heating methods to minimize energy consumption. For instance, underfloor heating offers gentle heat and will not cause the atmosphere to be stuffy. You should avoid leaving the doors and windows open because this will cause significant heat loss within a short time. You should contact a heating company to find out the best solution for you. Also, install underlays, carpets, and curtains to reduce heat loss.
