The Importance of Insulating Your Roof

Roof insulation is a physical barrier that reduces heat lost or gained through your roofing material. In the summer months, the heat of the sun warms your roof throughout the day, pushing up the internal temperature of your home and increasing the need to use air conditioning to feel comfortable. Then, when winter comes, much of the warm air you produce at home rises up through the ceiling and escapes through the roof, leaving you cold and needing additional heating.

Insulation is a true year-round necessity in New Zealand, keeping you comfortable no matter the season. Read on to learn some of the key benefits of roof insulation.

Save Money on Heating

It is estimated that up to 40% of heating costs could be saved with proper insulation, and your roof is one of the key areas where warm air can escape. The upfront cost of insulation will be covered by the savings on your heating bill, leaving you both warmer and better off! Think of insulation as a blanket that wraps up your home in the winter, providing that extra level of protection you need from the elements.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Energy efficiency is a big concern in the modern home, and insulation is a crucial factor in minimising your property’s carbon footprint. With warm air escaping in winter and cool air seeping out in the summer, energy is being wasted without you even realising. By installing roof insulation, you’re making it easier for the temperature of your home to be naturally regulated, rather than having to resort to unnecessary artificial heating and cooling.

Avoid Damp and Mould

Modern insulation can reduce condensation in the home through the efficient passive regulation of internal temperature. This reduces the potential for damp and moulds to develop. When condensation builds on windows and walls, this facilitates the growth of mould spores, which can be harmful to your health, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and triggering allergies and asthma.

Reduce Noise

Roof insulation can significantly reduce noise pollution in your home by providing an extra physical buffer against irritating external sounds. If you’re sick of being kept awake at night with heavy rains on your roof, then installing insulation overhead could help you to sleep easy.

The best time to install roof insulation is during building or renovations, so be sure to make it an integral part of your construction plans.

If you’d like any more information about metal roofing supplies or installation, then contact Aspect Roofing now or give us a free call on 0800 ROOFTOP.

What to Consider When Choosing a New Roof

Your roof is often the most important yet most neglected part of the home, largely forgotten about until you have a problem.

Whether you want to renovate your roof for aesthetic reasons or you need to replace old and damaged tiles, it’s a significant investment that requires thoughtful research. Read on for our list of key factors to consider when choosing a new roof.

Durability

When making the financial decision to re-roof, you want to make sure you’re getting a good product for your money. A new roof can completely change the exterior appearance of your home and you don’t want that fresh, clean look to fade quickly.

Metal roof tiles resist cracking, peeling and corrosion to guarantee a tidy appearance for longer. In terms of functionality, you need to be sure that your roof will keep you and your family safe, warm and dry for as long as possible so it’s important to choose a roof that can withstand the elements.

Climate

The roof you choose has to be right for your location. In Auckland, you’ll need to bear in mind the rain in the winter months and select a surface that won’t pool or absorb any water.

At the same time, you need a material that can handle the sun and reflect heat to help keep your home cool in the summer. Metal tiles absorb one-third less heat than asphalt, and when painted in a light colour, they will reflect a significant amount of the sun’s rays.

Cost & Lifespan

Naturally, when investing in roofing, your budget will be a big factor. The true value of a roof should be calculated by taking into account the initial outlay, likely maintenance costs and its expected lifespan.

In terms of longevity, a metal roof is a clear winner, lasting 40 or more years in comparison with 15-20 for asphalt or 25-30 for wood shingles. In addition to this, the excellent resilience of metal tiles means they are unlikely to need any expensive maintenance.

Local Restrictions

Before embarking on a roofing project it’s vital that you check with your local council to find out if there are any restrictions in place on the style, material or colour you can use. If you go ahead without confirming the legality, then you could end up facing further costly construction to fix your mistake

Colour and Style

There are a huge variety of possible roof coverings to choose from, so take inspiration from houses you’ve liked in the past or photos you’ve seen online. The style of your roof can dictate the overall appearance of your property and a well-executed roof design gives your home considerable kerb appeal.

Consider whether you need a dark colour to absorb heat or a light colour to reflect it and take into account local trends to make sure your house fits in with the neighbourhood.

If you’d like any more information about metal roofing supplies or installation from Auckland’s roofing industry experts then contact Aspect Roofing online now or free-phone 0800 ROOFTOP.