There are plenty of things about your commercial building that you’re more or less stuck with. They include the building’s age and design, the size of your windows, and the flow of people and goods in and out of your building. All of these factors can leave you vulnerable to heat loss or penetration.
The good news? If you were to take just one step to improve your building’s energy efficiency, roof insulation would be a great bet. One National Insulation Association study showed that commercial roof insulation alone has the potential to slash your utility bills by 10 to 45 percent, and that opportunity is too good to pass up.
Are you already gearing up for a commercial roof replacement? Don’t miss the chance to choose the best commercial roof insulation for your needs. Know nothing about that? Start right here!
What Makes Commercial Roof Insulation So Important?
That’s an excellent question precisely because not everyone understands the extent to which the best insulation for commercial roofs can make a difference. You already know that proper insulation keeps utility costs down, but beyond that clear and tangible benefit, you’ve also got a few other reasons to go above and beyond.
Colorado doesn’t have statewide building codes for insulation, and instead relies on the International Energy Conservation Code for its commercial roof insulation requirements. You’ll want to look at the commercial roof insulation R value to make sure you’re compliant.
While R values get complicated, higher numbers indicate better insulation. In Fort Collins, which is in Climate Zone 5, most commercial buildings are required to have roof insulation with R values between R-20 and R-30 to be compliant. That’s one reason your commercial roof insulation is important.
You might have compelling reasons to do more than what’s required, though. The best roof insulation can make your commercial roofing materials last longer, lower noise pollution, slash maintenance costs because you’ll have less weather damage, and even improve the air quality in your commercial building.
Plus, you’re sending the right message to your investors. You’re committed to keeping your carbon footprint down and making sustainable choices for the future!
What’s the Best Energy Efficient Roof Insulation for Your Colorado Commercial Building?
If you’re getting ready to replace your commercial roof, you have a great opportunity to reevaluate your insulation — and there are more options than you might think! Most energy efficient roof insulation can be installed alongside all of the most popular commercial roofing materials, including TPO, EPDM, PVC, and commercial metal roofing. They’ve all got their own pros and cons.
Polyisocyanurate Foam Insulation
Polyisocyanurate insulation is relatively environmentally friendly, easy to install, and offers a high R value. Although it can fail in places that get very cold, it’s a great choice for Fort Collins. Even better? While it’s among the most energy efficient roof insulation options, polyisocyanurate foam isn’t expensive.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass is another very popular type of commercial roof insulation installed in “blankets” (called batts). It’s affordable, suitable even for irregular roof shapes, and eco-friendly. Its noise-canceling properties also come in handy if your commercial building generates many decibels.
Spray Foam Insulation
Your roofing team applies this unique type of commercial roof insulation in liquid form, after which it expands to fit the space. Spray form insulation has a very high R value, and we can apply it even in very tight spaces.
Expanded Polystyrene Insulation
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation is a lightweight and rigid board option that offers a cost-effective solution for insulating commercial buildings. Its affordability makes it an attractive choice for business owners looking to enhance energy efficiency without exceeding their budget. EPS is versatile and compatible with a variety of roofing systems, making it a practical option for diverse building types.
While it may not offer the same level of durability as some other insulation materials, EPS can still provide reliable performance in meeting building code requirements and improving thermal resistance. Additionally, its lightweight nature makes it easy to handle and install, reducing labor time and costs.
EPS insulation works well for businesses aiming to stay compliant with insulation R-value requirements, particularly in areas like Fort Collins, where meeting climate zone standards is essential. However, if your building is exposed to heavy wear or extreme weather conditions, you might want to explore pairing EPS with other protective layers to extend its lifespan and optimize performance.
When budget-friendly solutions are a priority, EPS insulation proves to be a viable and effective choice for keeping utility costs down while maintaining comfort and energy efficiency.
Reflective Insulation
Reflective insulation rolls work differently from most other types of commercial roof insulation. Instead of merely slowing the transfer of heat through the roof, they actively reduce heat gain by bouncing radiant heat away from the building before it can penetrate. This makes them particularly effective in areas with high sun exposure, as they help maintain cooler indoor temperatures during hot seasons.
For business owners in Fort Collins, where sunny summers are common, reflective insulation can be an excellent choice. Not only does it improve energy efficiency by reducing the need for excessive air conditioning, but it also helps prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system by reducing its workload. Additionally, reflective insulation is lightweight, easy to install, and a great eco-friendly option for businesses looking to lower their carbon footprint.
While reflective insulation excels at managing radiant heat, it may not be the best fit for colder climates or buildings that face higher conductive heat loss. That’s why it’s essential to pair it with the right commercial roofing system for your needs. To explore how reflective insulation fits into your energy-saving goals, check out our blog post about commercial roofing systems for more insights and tailored solutions.
Which Option Is Suitable for Your Commercial Building?
Just looking at that list of popular options — and believe us, there are more — may cause you to wonder what you’re missing. After all, they all serve the same purpose, albeit in slightly different ways.
There’s no such thing as the best insulation for commercial roofs across the board. Just the best option for your specific building and use case. Don’t worry, though. You don’t have to research all your options on your own. The Severe Weather Roofing and Restoration crew is always available to advise you on your options, in line with the goals you’ve set yourself for energy efficiency.
Excited About Commercial Roof Insulation That Can Help You Cut Costs and Go Green?
We’re here to help. When you schedule your free roof inspection and consultation for commercial roofing services in Fort Collins with our crew, we’ll go over all your options and make a recommendation. Write down all your questions ahead of time so we can answer them fully and help you make an informed choice!
Whatever insulation option you choose, the Severe Weather Roofing and Restoration team only works with high-quality materials from reputable manufacturers. If you’re ready to bring those R values up and your utility bills down, give us a call today!
