Metal roof condensation occurs when the temperature of a metal roof drops below the dew point. Air and heat transfer causes this issue. Air transfers through the air gaps and holes in a building, bringing moisture and humidity. Heat transfers between objects with different temperatures, causing warm air to cool down and form condensation on cold surfaces such as metal roofs. Insulation works by preventing these two types of transfer from occurring. Let’s take a deeper look at how insulation prevents metal roof condensation.
Keeps Temperature Above Dew Point
Insulation is the key to keeping metal roofs free of condensation buildup. It effectively keeps the temperature of a metal roof above the dew point. The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor turns into a liquid, creating condensation. If the metal roof’s surface is cooler than the dew point, it will cause condensation to form. Fortunately, insulation prevents this by regulating the roof’s temperature to keep it above the dew point. You will want to use non-porous insulation of the proper thickness to consistently keep your roof’s temperature from dropping below the dew point. It’s beneficial to contact a roofing contractor to help you determine what type of insulation is best for your metal roof to avoid moisture buildup.
Prevents Heat Transfer
Insulation also stops condensation by preventing heat transfer in and out of the roof. Heat transfer occurs when two objects of different temperatures are in contact. Heat is transferred from the hotter object to the cooler object, which can cause condensation on metal roofs. Insulation works by preventing this kind of heat transfer to reduce or eliminate any potential for condensation buildup on metal roofs. Many types of insulation are available depending on the climate and needs of a particular building. Some examples include foam board insulation, fiberglass batting insulation, spray foam insulation, and rigid board/panel insulation. These materials all work to reduce heat transfer by trapping air pockets in their fibers to block heat flow between different surfaces. This process creates an effective thermal barrier against energy transfers capable of creating condensation on cold surfaces, such as metal roofs.
Eliminates Air Transfer
Air transfer also contributes to condensation buildup, and insulation works to eliminate this. Air transfer is the movement of air between two objects or spaces. It occurs when there are differences in temperature, pressure, or humidity levels between two sources. Air can easily enter and exit a building through gaps and holes in roofs, walls, ceilings, windows, and doors, carrying moisture and humidity that can lead to condensation if not addressed properly. Insulation works by preventing this kind of air transfer from occurring and stopping the air in its fibers. Therefore, when you are able to reduce the air transfer and the heat transfer with insulation, you can effectively stop condensation from forming on your metal roof.
Now that you know the ways that insulation stops metal roof condensation, you can find the right insulation for your roof. American Metal Roofs is a roofing company in Wisconsin that can help you with all your metal roofing needs and insulate your roof to eliminate frustrating moisture buildup.