Do you need some help managing heating and cooling costs, keeping annoying outside noises out, or preventing condensation from building up in your roof space? A roof blanket could be the solution you're after!
Discover what they are, how they work, benefits, installation tips, and maintenance advice right here in this free blog.
What Are Roof Blankets & How Do They Work?
Like a regular blanket, roof blankets serve as a layer of insulation. Made up of glass wool or polyester and finished with a reflective foil facing, they're designed to insulate while also regulating temperatures.
The bulk insulation blanket layers slow down heat transfer, while the reflective foil bounces heat away from the roof space. This clever combo works to keep heat out in the summer and stop warmth from sneaking out during the winter.
These blankets also create a barrier that helps control condensation while also acting as a soundproofing layer that reduces outside noises.
Types of Roof Blankets
There are a few kinds of roof blankets out there, each offering its own benefits and suitability. Here's a roundup of the most common options:
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Glasswool: Made of spun glass wool; excellent when it comes to thermal and acoustic insulation.
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Polyester: Crafted with bonded polyester fibres; a super safe, non-irritant option to install.
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Natural Fibre: Designed with wool or cotton blends; environmentally friendly, making it great for eco-conscious homes.
Why Are Roof Blankets Popular?
Lots of homeowners have roof blankets in their roofing systems. If you want to know why roof blankets are so popular, check out these major benefits offered by them:
Keeps the Noise Out
A roof insulation blanket absorbs unwanted noise, like wind and rain noise, so you can enjoy a much more peaceful home. This is especially handy on metal clad roofs that clank whenever rain or debris knocks them. They are also brilliant if you want to reduce unwanted airborne noise, like traffic or planes.
Thermal and Condensation Benefits
With a roof blanket, you get the best of both worlds: stable temperature and effective condensation control. That's because the reflective foil facing downward deflects radiant heat which boosts thermal performance, while the extra layer offered by the blanket helps keep moisture out, making your roof space much more dry.
Year-Round Comfort
A home with regulated temperature is a comfortable one. You get to enjoy a warmer home in the colder months and a cooler indoor environment when the weather heats up.
Improved Energy Efficiency
With better thermal insulation comes better energy efficiency, which not only saves you money on your utility bills but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise be released from excessive heating and cooling in your home.
Increased Roof Lifespan
By adding an extra layer of protection to your roof setup, wear and tear will be kept at bay. From safeguarding against extreme temperatures to preventing corrosion, there are a few ways a roof blanket can make your roof last that extra bit longer.
Fuss-Free Integration
You needn't be a pro to install a roof blanket – lots of homeowners get the job done just fine. Because they're designed to perfectly fit metal and tiled roofing, they're a breeze to install.
8 Top Tips for Installing a Roof Insulation Blanket
An expert roofer or DIY-enthusiast homeowner, these must-know tips will help you get the most out of your roof insulation blanket installation:
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Check Your Local Building Rules and Regulations: Always double-check what local building codes are set in your area to ensure your project is fully compliant and safe.
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Accuracy is Key: When fitting a roof sheet, don't eyeball it. Precise measurements create a clean, seamless fit with no gaps to reduce performance.
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Get Custom Pieces Where Needed: Roofing systems can have all sorts of unusual shapes and corners, so make sure you've got a custom roof blanket to accommodate any penetration, edges, and overall tricky areas.
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Seal and Secure: Make sure your blanket is firmly in place by using high-quality fasteners, like galvanised steel straps, foil tape, and clouts. This is especially important for windy sites and steep pitches.
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Tape Up Joints and Any Overlaps: Wherever you spot joints or overlaps, tape them up with extra durable flashing. This will stop any moisture from creeping into your roof structure and damaging your roof blanket.
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Fit Before Installing Battens/Purlins: First comes lying down your insulation blanket, then comes fixing the battens or purlins into place. This will create a smooth finish with no sagging.
Maintaining Your Roofing Insulation Blanket
With the right care and proper installation, your roof blanket could serve about 20 to 30 years on your roof!
To keep your roof blanket in prime condition, there's a few protective measures to take. Applying a good quality waterproof coating won't just keep your external roof intact; it will also safeguard your roof blanket from moisture. Making sure you use top-notch flashing for any gaps and x in your roof is another must (Wakaflex and Smartform are some great options!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should foil go up or down on a roof blanket?
The foil side is meant to face downwards on a roof blanket because the reflective quality of the foil effectively reflects heat back into your home (super helpful during the colder months) and makes sure summer heat flows away during the hotter season. This makes your home much more energy efficient, and it can even save you a few dollars on your bills!
What roofs do roof blankets work best on?
Tiled roofs, fibre cement roofs, and metal roofing definitely favour roof blankets the most. That's mainly down to their ability to minimise heat transfer, keep condensation from building up, and add cushioning that prevents acoustics.
What's the main disadvantage of roof blanket insulation?
Low durability is the main downside to roof blankets. They're not the most long-lasting and tend to wear down pretty quickly due to moisture and clumping.
But, with the right installation and care, you can get about 20 to 30 years out of your roof blanket. Making sure you've got airtight seals, proper ventilation, and efficient drainage on your roof will keep moisture from creeping in and wreaking havoc.
Is a cold metal roof sheet the same as a roof blanket?
No, metal roof sheets are different to roof blankets. Metal roof sheets are the actual roofing material you use to cover and protect your home, whereas roof blankets go inside your roofing setup, acting as a layer of insulation.