Rigid roof insulation is the term for a number of different insulators grouped together due to their predefined shape and panelized construction. Many different types of rigid roof insulation of varying materials and construction types exist. These insulators are made of materials ranging from rock to polystyrene. In most cases, these insulators come in precut panels called ‘batts,’ but it is generally very easy to recut them to fit a project of any size. In addition to roofs, rigid insulation may be found in the walls and ceilings of a building.

In general, people prefer using rigid roof insulation to other types for three reasons. They provide more insulation, based on capacity per square inch (square meter), than other forms. They resist rot, water damage and pest infestation better than other materials. Even natural rigid roof insulation has received extensive processing in order to make it a viable insulator, and this processing makes it resistant to many natural age effects. Lastly, it is typically much easier to install than soft or blown insulation.

Perlite and gypsum board are both made of rock. These materials are very strong, but will shatter or crumble under enough pressure. Both of these types of rigid roof insulation are typically implanted with glass and asphalt, although they are occasionally used in their natural form. Perlite is generally used on its own, but gypsum board is typically paired with a synthetic insulator both to improve its structure and to provide additional insulation.

 

Spray foam attic insulation provides all the benefits of any insulating material in terms of energy savings in heating and cooling costs, but it has some distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to other forms of insulation. The benefits of foam attic insulation include its high R-value, its ability to expand and completely fill gaps in small and awkward spaces, and the fact that it can be sprayed on the underside of the attic roof to prevent heat transfer through the roof. 

Fireproof insulation is insulation made of a fire retardant material. It may be used in building materials, clothing or other applications fireproofing is needed. This type of insulation may be made from special materials not normally used for other applications, or may be standard insulating materials coated with a fireproof layer.

Fireproof insulation is usually made of one of four basic types of materials. Each material has its benefits, its appropriate uses and its limitations. These materials include fiberglass, glass wool, polymers and natural products, which may or may not be treated with other substances.

It is important, when looking at materials, to understand that fireproof insulation types may only be most effective at certain temperatures. Once those temperatures are exceeded, the entire material could be broken down and the insulation would become ineffective. Fiberglass should only be used to temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100° Celsius). Glass wool may be used between 212° Fahrenheit (100° Celsius) and 1,220° F (660° C). Many types of polymers are rated for temperatures up to 2,220° F (1,215° C). Some natural fireproof insulation can withstand temperatures as high as 3,000° F (1,649° C).

Installing efficient roof insulation is a great way to reduce heating and cooling costs. Roof insulation was not required in homes until the early 1970s. Because of this, there are a lot of older homes that do not have adequate insulation. When looking to update their homes, and install insulation, consumers have a lot of options.

Roof insulation is measured according to an R-value. The higher an insulation material’s R-value, the better it is at thermal resistance. This means that the house will stay cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. Sheep’s wool, and thick foam, has some of the highest R-values available. Even though these types of insulation cost more, homeowners will have much lower heating and cooling bills, and the insulation will more than pay for itself.

 

One of the more interesting and environmentally safe insulation materials is drawn from the beginnings of the twentieth century. There are a growing number of homes which utilize bales of straw as their primary insulation. The bales are stacked on a raised foundation and covered with a wire mesh. In turn, the mesh is covered with plaster, stucco, or concrete. Straw is also being compressed under heat and high pressure to create pre-manufactured insulation panels.

Polyurethane insulation is a synthetic material with a high degree of heat transfer resistance. It is designated as a closed-cell type of insulation since its cell pockets are inflated with a non-chlorofluorocarbon gas, which gives the material a higher density and more rigid structure than soft, open-cell types of insulation material. In general, the benefits of using polyurethane insulation over other materials include reduced infiltration of outside air pollutants and allergens, as well as resisting water vapors and the formation of mold and mildew. 

There are three basic types of polyurethane insulation available: Molded expanded polystyrene foam board (MEPS), extruded expanded polystyrene (XEPS), and liquid foam.