Some people work as roofers for a summer or two. Others become lifelong devotees to the profession. Those who commit to roofing as a long-time profession really take the time to learn the details. Not only do they learn how to put roofs in place, but they also learn quite a lot about various roofing materials. This equips them to make good recommendations to homeowners who are looking for the right roof. We will also make some recommendations and tell you a bit more about roofers on this blog. While we are not roofers ourselves, we know a lot about the profession and are always happy to share.
Now that winter is around the corner, you should make the necessary preparations for the cold weather. Aside from inspecting and recalibrating your furnace, you should also ensure your roof is in top condition. This way, you can avoid phenomena like thermal bridging that compromise your indoor comfort. Your designated roofing contractor will do whatever it takes to prevent thermal bridging, a phenomenon that occurs when heat escapes through the uninsulated areas of your home. Here are four ways your roofing contractor will achieve this goal.
1. Applying Proper Insulation
A roofing contractor can help prevent thermal bridging by ensuring the attic is properly insulated. Since poor insulation is the main cause of thermal bridging, this is an important step in preventing the issue. Your roofing contractor will check the insulation's thickness and ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the attic. In case there are areas where heat transfer will likely be encouraged between your indoor spaces and the outside environment, they will add more insulation. This will make your home more energy-efficient and help prevent heat from escaping.
2. Applying a Radiant Barrier
Another way a roofing contractor can prevent thermal bridging is by applying a radiant barrier. This material reflects heat away from your home, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Radiant barriers are usually made of aluminum foil and are applied to the underside of the roof deck. This will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round.
3. Adding Ventilation
Ventilation is important for any roof, but it is especially important if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Ventilation helps regulate the temperature in your attic, preventing it from getting too hot or too cold. Your designated roofing contractor will check your roof's ventilation to ascertain there's sufficient airflow in your roof during winter. This will help prevent thermal bridging by ensuring uniform temperatures in your roofing system.
4. Applying a Heat Tape
A heating tape may sometimes be necessary to prevent thermal bridging. This special type of tape is applied to the roof and emits heat. This helps keep the temperature in your attic consistent, preventing heat from escaping through uninsulated areas. Heat tapes are usually used in areas where there is a lot of snowfall or extremely cold temperatures. If you live in an area with harsh winters, working with a roofing contractor to install a heat tape can help prevent thermal bridging and keep your home warm all season long.
Thermal bridging can be a serious issue, but thankfully there are ways to prevent it. These are just a few ways a roofing contractor can help prevent this phenomenon from robbing you of your comfort.
Contact a local roofing company, such as Bill's Roof Repair, Inc., to learn more.