Metal Roof Insulation: Everything You Need to Know

Metal roofing has been steadily increasing in popularity throughout the United States in recent years for many reasons. Not only is it beautiful, but it also has more durability and lasts longer than other types of roofing (like asphalt shingles). But just because it’s a strong type of roofing doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need insulation. In fact, insulation will help maximize its energy efficiency.

At Legacy Service, we’re here to help with any of your home exterior needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of using insulation for metal roofs, your options, and how to get it done. Our team can also do it for you with a roofing installation or replacement. Please feel free to contact us at 215-798-9790 to learn more.

Does a Metal Roof Need Insulation?

Most, if not all, roofing structures should be properly insulated. Metal roofs are no exception. Many commercial and residential buildings (including metal sheds) use insulation to help improve energy conservation and reduce noise pollution. If you’d like your home to be a warm, quiet, and cozy one, then you’ll definitely want to get metal roof insulation.

Fortunately, we can help! Whether you’re installing a new roof or would just like to add insulation under the existing metal roofing, our team will present you with your options and get the job taken care of once you decide. Now, let’s go over your options.

Metal Roof Insulation Options

You have multiple options when it comes to choosing metal roofing insulation. In this section, we’ll review the three most popular ones by providing you with a brief description, the pros and cons, and the typical price range. Read over them and see which one sounds best for you. Then, contact us at Legacy Service to schedule a consultation with one of our experts to find out the best way to insulate.

Fiberglass Batts

This insulation material uses fine, threadlike-glass formations that are woven together and mixed with other materials to form a thick insulating pad. The material’s glass is the same basic substance used in glassware.

Pros:

Property owners choose fiberglass batts because:

• It’s one of the cheapest and easiest ways to insulate a metal roof.
• It’s versatile, meaning you can cut it according to your specific needs. You can also either have it placed under the metal roof panels or installed onto an existing roof’s surface.

Cons:

Disadvantages include:

• It’s not very safe to use. The microscopic bits of glass can be damaging to your hands, eyes, and even lungs, so make sure you’re wearing protective gear when installing fiberglass batts.

Price:

The cost tends to differ depending on the R-value. For example, without insulation, it can range from $0.12 to $0.16 per square foot for an R-value of 11 and $0.55 to $0.60 per square foot for an R-value of 38.

Rigid Board Insulation

This type of material is used to provide thermal resistance to foundations, roofs, and walls. It comes in sheets or panels of varying sizes, made from polystyrene or polyurethane.

Pros:

Owners choose rigid foam insulation for their building because:

• When the sheets are fitted together tightly and the joints are caulked or sealed, this type of material offers maximum thermal resistance.
• Since it’s denser and thinner than the other options, it can be installed with fewer joints and gaps, which helps reduce air leakage.

Cons:

Disadvantages include:

• It must be tightly fitted to prevent air infiltration.
• The joints must be taped or sealed to stop airflow.
• UV rays from sunlight can damage it, so it must be installed appropriately.

Price:

The cost of rigid board insulation typically ranges from $3.95 to $7.20, depending on the quality.

Spray Foam

This type of insulation is mixed with water and applied through high-pressure spray machinery as a heated liquid. When it reacts with the oxygen in the air and the water dries up, the polyurethane foam will expand, harden, and cure within minutes, which results in thick, rigid foam.

Pros:

People choose spray foam for their insulation because:

• It’s one of the most effective options for metal roofing, and it’s very easy to work with.
• It can be installed on old or new metal roofs without causing disruption or the need for reroofing.
• Since it’s self-adhering, it’s an excellent option to insulate awkward-shaped areas.
• It does a great job of preventing condensation buildup and rodent/insect infestations.

Cons:

Disadvantages include:

• Spray foam can be difficult to install, so unless you have the experience, it’s better to leave the installation to the professionals.

Price:

It’s available in two types: closed-cell spray foam which usually costs $1 to $1.50 per board foot and open-cell spray foam which is within $0.44 to $0.65 per board foot.

Another option is double bubble insulation.

How to Insulate

Many homeowners prefer to install insulation themselves rather than hire a professional. If this is your first time installing insulation, whether it’s under a new or existing roof, we recommend reading through the following step-by-step processes before you begin. Here’s how to insulate your new or existing roof:

New Roof

1. Install plywood to act as structural roof sheathing. Lay the wood perpendicular to the roof joists and use roofing nails to fasten it in place.
2. Place layers of building paper over the sheathing. Overlap each sheet by six inches, and use nails or staples to fasten it. This will help protect against moisture and leaks.
3. Install rigid foam insulation over the entire surface of the roof. Place the sheets close together but don’t let them overlap.
4. Use duct tape to seal the seams and further protect against moisture/air leaks.
5. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, install the metal roofing panels over the insulation.

Existing Roof

1. From inside the attic, examine the underside of your metal roof. You should see a layer of plywood roof sheathing supported by a framing system. The small, horizontal beams are called purlins and the larger, angled ones are called joists.
2. Place fiberglass batts into any gaps you can find between the sheathing and the purlins. This type of insulation can be less effective if it’s packed too tightly, so try to fit it loosely into the spaces.
3. Cover wider spans of roof sheathing between joists using rigid foam insulation. Cut each sheet to the best size and fasten it in place with staples or adhesive.

Frequently Asked Questions

We took some of our customers’ most frequently asked questions about metal roofing with insulation and answered them below. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us to schedule a free consultation!

Does a metal roof need insulation?

Yes, it is highly recommended to use insulation with your metal roof. Insulation helps improve your home’s energy efficiency, keeping you warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

What is the best way to insulate a metal roof?

You can find the best way to insulate a new or existing metal roof by reading our aforementioned “How to Insulate” section in this article.

How do I stop my metal roof from sweating?

Metal roof sweating results from too much humidity condensing on the underside of your roof. Underlayment will help prevent this. You’ll also need to make sure there’s good ventilation to allow for proper airflow.

Do you need a vapor barrier under a metal roof?

To prevent too much condensation from forming under your metal roof, it’s best to add a vapor barrier underneath. Vapor barriers stop moist air from flowing up through the insulation and condensing on the roof.

Do you need plywood under a metal roof?

While placing plywood under a metal roof isn’t a requirement, it is recommended for some homeowners. Plywood helps protect the insulation for when the roof eventually needs to be replaced and it also provides additional soundproofing.

How do you insulate condensation on a metal roof?

Condensation forming on the underside of your metal roof can cause damage to the inside of your building. Fortunately, the correct insulation can help prevent condensation from forming in the first place by making sure the panel temperature never reaches the dew point. Many homeowners accomplish this using vinyl-backed fiberglass insulation, which helps prevent humid air from coming into contact with the cooler metal roof. Ask your local roofing experts to determine which insulation would work best for you.

What is the cheapest way to insulate a metal shed?

Properly insulating your metal shed not only helps control the temperature but also helps prevent condensation and water from getting inside of it. Fiberglass batts are typically the cheapest option, and they’re also easy to install. Rigid foam boards are considered a cheaper alternative to spray foam. And spray foam, although it may be more expensive, may offer the best R-value. While fiberglass batts are usually the cheapest, property owners may want to consider other options to find the best one for them.

Get Started Choosing Your Type of Insulation Today

The best insulation for a metal roof, whether it’s a standing seam, a corrugated metal roof, or a metal roof over shingles, depends on your preferences. At Legacy Service, we can help you determine the right one. To get started with a roofing installation or replacement, give us a call at 215-798-9790 or visit us at https://legacyusa.com/contact/.