Roof insulation plays a critical role in the function and energy efficiency of your commercial roof. Here, you’ll learn more about why commercial roofing insulation is important and what questions to ask your roofing contractor.
What is Commercial Roofing Insulation?
Commercial roofing insulation is a layer installed under the roof’s membrane. This layer acts to cool and heat the commercial building at the appropriate times.
Think of commercial roofing insulation as a thermal barrier, allowing for a transfer of air. In this context, it helps us to understand the vital role insulation plays in energy efficiency and overall costs.
The EPA estimates that with proper insulation, homeowners can save up to $200 a year on energy costs. Now, imagine how much you could save with the right insulation on your commercial property…
Insulation Performance
As roofing professionals, our team looks for a few key factors when making commercial roofing insulation recommendations to our clients.
R-Value
We always consider insulation R-Value. R-Value is a measurement used to display how well insulation resists the flow of heat. While R-Values consider all parts of a commercial roof, insulation is a major contributor to this value. The higher an R-Value, the more effective it is. It is equally important to note that an R-Value decreases over time as materials age and wear.
When we make recommendations to commercial building owners, R-Value is always a part of the discussion. That being said, the environment plays a significant role in our recommendations; the highest R-Value isn’t always the right choice for every client.
Durability
In Colorado, the durability and impact resistance of your insulation are factors we always take into consideration. Colorado is famous for its quickly changing weather, hail, intense sunshine, and storms that cause debris and tree fall. While the roof membrane is the first layer of defense against these extreme weather factors, the second in line is your insulation.
Some types of insulation are more durable than others. Taking this, and the roof slope into account, help our team to create a strong layer of defense for your commercial building.
Fire Resistance
It isn’t uncommon for areas along Colorado’s Front Range to experience wildfires. Fires are devastating, but luckily, many types of roofing insulation are fire-resistant.
If your area commonly experiences fires, it’s a good idea to explore fire-resistant roofing and commercial insulation options. We always recommend proper testing and certification as well.
Types of Commercial Roofing Insulation
There are many types of commercial roofing insulation that you can consider. Our experts recommend taking R-Value, durability, and fire-resistance into account when selecting insulation materials for your commercial property.
Here are a few types of insulation:
- Mineral Wool
- Spray Foam
- Fiberglass
- Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)
- Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Columbine Roofing: Commercial Roofing Experts
As commercial roofing experts, our team of certified and licensed roofing professionals is helping businesses everywhere with commercial roofing installation and maintenance.
We understand that commercial roofs are a long-term business investment. With this in mind, our team can make recommendations suited for your timeline and budget. From the style and draining systems to roofing insulation, we’re dedicated to making the roofing process easier than its ever been.
Learn more about our commercial roofing services.