Usually made from steel or aluminum panels, metal roofs protect your commercial or residential structure against weather and harsh elements. To maximize the energy efficiency of metal roofs, the roof structure must be properly insulated. Without ventilation and insulation, your home will feel less comfortable as heat and condensation increase. 

Insulation and underlayments are one of the must-have metal roofing accessories for moisture protection. Fortunately, there are different ways to insulate your home and enhance energy efficiency.

What Causes Condensation on Metal Panels?

Humidity is one of the main causes of condensation. It occurs when there is more water vapor in the air. When warm air cools off, the water vapor will turn into its liquid form.

Effects of Condensation

When humidity conditions reach the dew point, moisture can condense until water droplets start to form under the metal roofing. Any trapped moisture in your metal panels can potentially cause water damage and other issues like the following:

  • Mold Growth
  • Rust and Corrosion
  • Reduced Effectiveness of the Insulation’s Thermal Performance
  • Insect infestations
  • Decreased Lifespan

Benefits of Metal Roof Insulation

If you want to create a barrier against heat entering your home, roof insulation is recommended. It also helps in removing excess heat during the summer season and creating a warmer atmosphere during the winter. 

Mold, fungi, and rot usually form inside due to moisture buildup and heat. Having good metal roof insulation will ensure that humidity levels are at a minimum and reduce noise pollution.

Types of Metal Roof Insulation

There are different options in the market when it comes to effective insulation systems. Here are some of the most popular types of metal roof insulation. Browse through the list to see which one is the most suitable for you:

Radiant or Reflective Roofing

Also known as foil insulation, reflective roofing helps repel unwanted heat and control humidity levels. This insulation material has two layers. The outer layer is made from reflective foils while the inner layer is usually made of materials like foam, bubble sheets, or fiberglass. 

The reflective aluminum foils reflect off excess heat that makes your home extremely hot during summer. This is perfect if you live in a place with a warmer climate. Almost 97% of heat can be reflected by the insulation, so your home will be cool and comfortable no matter the season.

Bulk Roof Insulation 

This kind of metal roof thermal insulation works by trapping air pockets that slow down the conduction of heat. Bulk insulation is helpful in stopping heat penetration from the outer surface of your structure. Here is a list of bulk insulation materials you can choose from:

  • Blanket Insulation

This type of insulation incorporates the use of blankets made of wool, fiberglass, and cotton. The blanket is layered on the roof to trap heat and create a barrier against condensation. Typically used in residential buildings, blanket insulation helps prevent moisture from forming on the underside of the metal roofs.

Installing blanket insulation will greatly improve the comfort of occupants. In addition, it acts as a baffle to reduce sound transmission both from outside and inside sources.

  • Rigid Foam

Also used in basements, rigid foam insulation provides moisture protection and thermal insulation. Rigid foams offer fewer benefits than blankets, but these are perfect for confined spaces like the underside of your metal roofs. It is also stronger, pest resistant, and doesn’t shift out of place after installation. This innovative building material can reduce your home’s energy use by preventing heat transfer. 

  • Spray Foam

This insulation and air barrier material are beneficial in sealing metal roof and ceiling cavities against air movement. Spray foam insulation is popular because it works best in keeping air and moisture from penetrating the ceiling. It also has a distinct sturdiness that adds to the structure of the house.

Since the spray foam can get into small cracks and crevices, it can block air, water, heat, and even noises. Open-cell spray foam has the ability to minimize noise compared to other types of metal roof insulation. The only downside is that it is a bit harder to install, so you need to hire a professional for the insulation job.

Final Thoughts

Metal roofing has been around for decades already. To lengthen the lifespan of your roofing system, you need to prevent heat and moisture from damaging the shingles. Your metal roof might warp easily under extreme amounts of heat or lower temperatures. Adding insulation is one of the most effective ways to extend your roof system’s lifetime.

If you need help in understanding different types of insulation or anything related to metal roofing, you can count on none other than our roofing experts. Pittsburgh Metal Roofing is committed to providing you with an effective and affordable roofing option. With our expert installation and repairs, we can surely live up to your expectations. Schedule an appointment with us today!