Although you can’t see it on a daily basis, roof insulation is one of the most important elements of your home. Did you know that a quarter of heat in a home can be lost through an uninsulated roof?

It’s essential that you invest time and money in your roof insulation to avoid encountering serious issues in the long term.

To help reduce heat gain in Summer and prevent the loss of heat in Winter, follow this list of dos and don’ts to make sure your installation works for you.

DO

• Consider your roof – you’ll need to consider whether your roof is flat or pitched.
• Learn about the options – you’ll need to understand the difference between the options such as batts of mineral, or glass wool insulation.
• Purchase safety equipment – remember to protect your eyes, skin and lungs. Always wear safety goggles, work gloves and a mask.
• Seal around window and door jambs with expanding spray foam – this helps to fully seal the spaces and prevent air coming in or out.
• Fit batts tightly between wall studs and cut to length by compressing the insulation and using a sharp knife.

DON’T

• Try to cut corners and save money – it’s worth getting your roof insulation right first time and always dedicate as much money as you can to it to ensure you’re using good quality materials.
• Split batts apart – even if you want them to fit around and totally enclose electrical cables. This can cause ‘cable derating’ and will simply lead to further issues.
• Pack it in – roof insulation needs space and being too tightly compacted will compromise effectiveness.
• Use spray foam insulation on the underside of roofs. This can cause moisture to become trapped around timber leading to future issues.

There are many different types of houses in Australia and similarly there are different types of roof insulations. Make sure you take the time to choose the right options for you and your specific circumstances. Always ask for expert help if you need.