Insulating Metal Roof In Cold Climates

In the northern parts of the country zones 5 8 energystar recommends insulating your attic to somewhere between r49 60.

Insulating metal roof in cold climates. In very cold climate zones this minimum r value should be increased to r 50. In cold climate zones the minimum total r value for the entire unvented roof assembly should be r 40. Zones 5 6 7 and 8 in that the manufacturers of these materials assume that roof deck may require ventilation to assist drying. In order to control ice damming heat flow form the interior to the roof cladding must be minimized.

Add underlayment upgrades such as peel and stick modified bituminous sheets. Ask me how i know. Avoid roof geometry that causes shading which can lead to ice damming. Don t forget to make sure it s plugged in.

Consider a roof color with a high solar absorption value that will help thaw snow and ice. Colors such as bronze brown or dark gray versus white or light earth tones will help do the trick. You can purchase 14 in. 356 mm long epoxy coated steel screws.

Rigid board made from fiberglass would be the best option for roofs and basements as the high insulation rating allows it to insulate the home better than say loose fill or batt and blanket. Insulate the ceiling adequately. You want your entire metal roof including the eaves as ventilated as possible and are very well insulated. Keep the entire roof as cold as the eaves.

However while metal roofing can act as a repellent for snow it requires additional insulation for colder climates. Some roof assemblies use very impermeable materials such as peel and stick membranes on the exterior. Metal roofs are a good long term investment for those in colder areas of the country. Use designs with a cold roof such as those featuring a vented attic.

Pros and cons of metal roofs in cold climates. Stay away from stainless steel screws because the heads twist off. That s a ton of insulation but you need it in these cold climates. Care should be taken with these assemblies particularly in cold climate zone locations i e.

Heat rises and without sufficient insulation under your roof you will be loosing all that precious and expensive heat out of the top of the house. Stainless steel tends to be soft. Ventilation rafter the 2x4 standing proud is connected through the roof rigid insulation with a metal bracket and a long roofing screw. Fiberglass is also one of the preferred materials for metal and steel buildings and homes.

Otherwise homeowners will find their heating system has to work harder to keep the home warm. Ventilating the underside of the roof insulating the attic floor and plugging air leaks are usually the answer.