What is a Hot Roof?
Traditionally in the Midwest, homes are insulated with fiberglass or cellulose insulation. However, a newer trend being seen in homes is the use of spray foam insulation, also known as hot roofing. Just as the name implies, this type of insulation comes in spray cans. It’s a combination of resin and chemicals such as polyurethane & isocyanides. As the insulation is sprayed, it expands and fills up the entire area it is being applied to. The term “hot roof” comes in because the spray foam insulation is being affixed directly to the roof sheathing which removes the need for ventilation.
Hot Roof vs. Cold Roof
Attics typically have an insulated floor and have ventilation. A cold roof, often referred to as a vented roof, allows air from the outside to come in through the soffits, and exit through the top of the roof which creates a cold attic during the winter months. This method is intended to deter ice dams by keeping the roof cooler. When your attic is filled with spray foam insulation to create a hot roof, your attic’s temperature rises because the thermal envelope is shifted to the underside of your roof because ventilation is not present.
Warranties on Hot Roofs:
Industry studies show that shingle temperature is only raised by a few degrees with a hot roof. However, these few degrees can lower shingle lifespan by up to 10% and cause shingles to fade. GAF, North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing, offers a “Golden Pledge” warranty which covers roofing material and labor for 50 years. This warranty is not pro-rated. However, those with a hot roof are not eligible for GAF’s highest level of warranty because a hot roof does not have the insulation standards that their asphalt shingles were designed for. Before moving forward with a hot roof, check with your roofing manufacturer to make sure that doing so will not void your roofing warranty. Be sure to check with your city to see if they have restrictions on hot roofing before proceeding with your project.
Learn More About GAF’s 50-Year Roofing System:
Perks of a Hot Roof Insulation: The unit of measurement for hot roof insulation is called the “R-Value”. The R-value measures how well insulation is able to resist heat going through it. The bigger the R-value, the better it will insulate your home. Hot roofs contain the highest R-Value because there are no chances for air to leak. If the attic contains duct work, it won’t need to be insulated because there is no energy loss. Hot roofing prevents energy loss and can lower your utility bills.
