Your roof, floor, and exterior walls could be the culprits for over 50 percent of your home's energy loss. (The scientific term for that is "a huge mega-chunk.") But properly insulating your home's envelope—its outer surfaces like
walls, floor, and roof—can effectively reduce those energy losses.
A well-insulated roof and ceiling have a slew of added benefits. For instance, they can make your home more comfortable, quieter, and disaster-resistant; reduce the risk of moisture damage; enhance fire safety; and guard against pipe freezing. (So if you're up there anyway...) A new roof can be expensive, but by adding rigid insulating sheathing, you'll make the most of your investment.
1. Roofing is tricky and dangerous, so seriously consider hiring a pro to do it rather than attempting it yourself. Contact a professional roofing contractor to schedule a time to have a new roof put on your home.
2. Ask the contractor to add rigid insulating sheathing to your roof prior to adding the new shingles.
3. Consult with the contractor about whether you should order the rigid insulating sheathing materials or whether they'll be provided in the cost of the re-roofing project.
4. If there are air leaks in the ceiling, they should be sealed prior to adding the roof insulation.
Insulate to at least R-5. The R-value indicates the insulation's level of resistance to heat flow. When replacing your roof, insulate the roof deck first with rigid foam insulation that has an insulating value of at least R-5.
Compare contractors' bids for the same R-value. When comparing contractors' bids, make sure they are for the same insulating value (R-value), not just the same number of inches.