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What is a Hot Roof?

What Is A Hot Roof?

Homeowners who are starting to think about getting new roofing installations need to consider roof insulation. When considering insulation, roofs can generally be classified as either hot roofs or cold roofs. The 2 terms don’t refer to the actual temperature of the roofs but instead are based on how insulation is installed.

Hot Roof Definition

Using the phrase “Hot Roof” is actually quite erroneous. In fact, it is a misnomer since the roof isn’t any hotter than a cold roof. A hot roof, instead, is a type of roof which has an insulation layer installed on the topmost layer of the roof itself. This is different from a cold roof because cold roofs have an insulation layer installed under the rafters, usually just above the ceiling joists. Because of the exterior placement of the insulation layer, the roof structure and internal roof space retains the same temperature as the rest of the house’s living space. On the other hand, a cold roof has a roof structure that has a temperature closer to the external environment. The exterior insulation is also known as a loft insulation.  

One way to provide proper roof ventilation is through ridge vents. Ridge vents are vents that are at the top of a pitched or sloped roof.

Unlike cold roofs, hot roofs don’t need any ventilation systems. Because there is no need for ventilation when installing a hot roof, these are also referred to as unvented attic systems. Also, since the roof has the same internal temperature as the home, there is no risk for condensation. In some cases, the insulation is not installed on top of the entire roof structure but is installed close to the roof decking. Whether the insulation is on top of the roof structure or just a few layers beneath the exterior, a hot roof insulation system is still able to create a usable and insulated attic. Usually, hot roofs are used for pitched roofs while cold roofs are usually flat or low-slope roofs. Hot roofs are also more common in newer homes and more modern architectural designs. The cold roof is the traditional method of insulation. 

Advantages

The proper installation of hot roofs means that there is an unlikely chance that condensation will occur. Thus, no moisture or water from within your home should be a problem. During colder seasons, hot roofs also lower your electric heating bills. Cold roofs tend to cool the home since the cooler outside temperature can affect the roof beams and systems. Since the beams are connected to other parts of the home, there is some heat loss that will occur. However, hot roofs give the entire roof insulation to prevent this from happening.

Disadvantages

If your home is not properly sealed with air barriers, vapor retarders, and the like, there is a tendency that your hoot roof system will not be an efficient insulator. Since the roofing structure will tend to be warmer, there is a higher case of wear and tear for the roofing materials.

Hot Roof Options

There are currently a multitude of options when considering the installation of a hot roof system. However, among these options, there are 2 that are most common. One popular method involves the use of foam spray. The other method involves the use of a foam board instead. When applied properly, these methods have proven to be extremely efficient.

When deciding which hot roof insulation method to go for, you’ll have to consider your actual roof structure and design, ease of access, budget, and other things. However, to give you a better idea on which method should work best for you, this is how these methods are applied. 

Foam Spraying

Spray foaming the interior roof deck is one of the most popular methods applied for hot roof systems by roofers in Yonkers NY. This is usually done for newer construction projects. Complex roofs that have intricate designs, or roofs that are referred to as being all “cut-up” due to the varied shapes, smaller pieces, and separate roofing structures, this can be a more effective and easier method to use. What roofers do for this method is using a foam spray and spraying the interior trusses of the roof deck. 

Foam Boards

Another common but not as popular method is the use of foam boards. Growing in popularity, foam boards offer many benefits. One of the major advantages of using foam boards is their efficiency in eliminating thermal transfer. During the winter in Yonkers, this can help homeowners avoid the formation of ice dams on their roofs. Another great thing is that it doesn’t take up any of the internal space since the foam boards are installed outside. This allows homeowners to maximize the headspace of their homes.

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