How do I reduce the heating of my roof during summers?

Question

Our room is on the top floor and gets direct sunlight. It gets very hot during the summers. Is there a cheap and easy way to reduce this heat? Can some insulation on the roof help?

Answer 1

There isn't a whole lot you can do. Upper rooms are always hotter because heat rises. I'd say just keep your blinds shut during the day and keep a fan running so the air stays circulated.

Answer 2

An attic fan in the gables would help reduce the heat. More insulation in the rafters would also help. I will assume you are renting, so that isn't you call. You could mention it to the landlord and explain the situation but they may not want to spend the extra money. Maybe you could work something out with the owners. Good luck

Answer 3

Yes, indeed there is and it is an EnergyStar product, as defined by the US Dept of Energy. See their website.

What you need installed is a reflective barrier insulation. That comes in 10 foot wide rolls and 500 sq ft to the roll. It will reflect the roof heat and keep your upstairs room up to 10 degrees cooler in summer and 10 degrees warmer in winter. Plus in some cases up to 30 % savings in utility bills.

I have installed this on 1/2 of my attic. It goes right over existing blown in or batts or can be stapled to roof joists. It has done a really good job for me in reducing temps in summer and keeping the rooms warm in winter.

The cost is about 18 cents a sq foot. It is a space age design from NASA, it has 2 layers of foil plus an inner layer of polyethylene for strenght.

Look on this website Radiant Guard, they are in Frisco TX

Answer 4

Install a ridgevent
Paint your attic with a radiant barrier paint
Install Galvanized steel roofing
Install a motorized or solar roof vent

Answer 5

Insulate the rafters in your attic.

Answer 6

Well the first answer covered it pretty good. Just do that.