Roof Blanket vs Ceiling Insulation: What’s the Difference and Do You Need Both?

Roof Blanket vs Ceiling Insulation: What’s the Difference and Do You Need Both?

If you are planning a new roof, building a home or upgrading your insulation, you may come across two common options: roof blanket and ceiling insulation.

They both help improve the thermal performance of a building, but they sit in different parts of the roof system and do different jobs.

In fact depending on the project, using both may make more sense than choosing one over the other..

What is ceiling insulation?

Ceiling insulation is installed at ceiling level, usually between or over the ceiling joists.

In Perth homes, ceiling batts are one of the most common forms of insulation because a significant amount of heat can move through the roof and ceiling area.

Ceiling insulation helps slow this heat transfer, making it easier to keep indoor spaces comfortable throughout the year.

Products such as Earthwool ceiling insulation are available in different R values, allowing the insulation level to be selected according to the building requirements and the level of thermal performance required.

Ceiling insulation is commonly used in:

• Residential homes
• New builds
• Renovations
• Commercial buildings
• Energy efficiency upgrades

For homeowners replacing old insulation, adding ceiling insulation can also be an important part of improving the overall thermal performance of an existing home.

What is a roof blanket?

Roof blanket sits much higher in the roof system.

It is typically installed directly beneath metal roofing and combines an insulation layer with a reflective facing.

Roof blankets are commonly used in metal roof systems across residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Along with adding thermal resistance, a roof blanket can help reduce noise from rain and other external sources. When correctly specified as part of the complete roofing system, it can also play a role in managing condensation beneath metal roofing.

This makes roof blanket particularly relevant when installing a new metal roof or replacing an existing one.

So, what is the difference?

The main difference is where each product sits.

Ceiling insulation creates a thermal barrier at ceiling level, helping separate the rooms below from the roof space.

Roof blanket sits directly below the metal roof sheeting and works closer to the external roof surface.

Because they work in different locations, they should not always be viewed as competing insulation products.

Can you use roof blanket and ceiling insulation together?

Yes.

A building can have roof blanket beneath the metal roof as well as insulation batts at ceiling level.

Using insulation at more than one point in the roof and ceiling system can contribute to stronger overall thermal performance, provided the products and installation are suitable for the building design.

The right combination will depend on several factors, including the roof construction, required R value, existing insulation and whether the project is a new build or renovation.

This is also why it is worth looking at the complete roof system rather than simply choosing the insulation product with the highest R value.

What about Perth’s climate?

Perth homes deal with long periods of strong summer heat, while winter nights can still become surprisingly cold.

Good roof and ceiling insulation helps slow heat moving into the home during hot weather and reduces heat loss when temperatures drop.

For homes with metal roofing, roof insulation deserves particular attention because the roof is directly exposed to solar heat for much of the day.

The best insulation setup will vary from project to project, but planning the roof blanket and ceiling insulation together gives you a clearer picture of the building’s overall thermal performance.

Choosing the right insulation for your project

Before ordering insulation, check what is already installed and where any new insulation will sit.

For a roof replacement, new metal roof or new build, it may be worth considering roof blanket early in the project.

For an existing home where the main goal is improving thermal performance from the ceiling space, ceiling insulation may be the main focus.

And in some projects, both can form part of the insulation system.

Perth Insulation Supplies stocks ceiling insulation, roof blanket systems and a wide range of thermal insulation products for residential, commercial and industrial projects across Perth and Western Australia.

Not sure which insulation suits your roof?

Speak with our team about your project, existing insulation and the level of thermal performance you are looking for.