What Causes Heat Loss Through a Roof?

Skylights can allow heat to escape in the winter.

Heat loss through a roof or attic often causes serious problems for homeowners by enabling the formation of obstacles such as ice dams that may be costly to repair. Losing heat can also cause air conditioning units and heaters to work less efficiently, resulting in soaring electric bills. Examining your roof and attic for signs of air leaks and improper ventilation will allow you to locate the cause of heat loss and repair it.

Skylights

While skylights add a nice touch to many homes, they can make your home less energy efficient. Skylights are windows placed in the ceiling that allow homeowners to gaze at the stars at night. These windows also let more light into the home during the day. However, there are downsides to skylights. According to the California Energy Commission, homes with skylights lose 35 to 45 percent more heat than those with windows installed only on the sides of the house. During the cold winter months, heat rises to the ceiling and is lost through a process known as convection. The frame around the skylight may also allow heat to escape.

Cathedral Ceilings

Cathedral ceilings are high-pitched ceilings that are a desirable addition to many homes. However, heat is often lost through the roof in homes with inadequate insulation. Properly insulated ceilings keep temperatures inside the home steady and even throughout the house. Foil-faced batt insulation is commonly used to insulate cathedral ceilings. Ceilings constructed in this manner must have adequate spacing between the ceiling and roof deck for insulation. Cold climates must have thicker insulation to combat the cold temperatures. Adequate ceiling insulation also keeps your home cooler during the hot summer months.

Air Leaks

Unsealed air leaks are responsible for heat loss and higher electric bills each month. Caulking all gaps around attic hatches and air ducts will help reduce heat loss in your attic. Weatherstripping can be placed around attic hatches to prevent air leaking. Check for holes in attic walls and around the perimeter of the attic. Seal any holes with caulk. Properly sealing attics without air conditioning will help prevent heat loss and keep electric bills steady.

Considerations

Losing heat through your roof can be a difficult problem to solve because it may be affected by a combination of factors. Homeowners who are having difficulty locating the source of heat loss should consult a home energy specialist that will perform an energy audit on your home. Energy audits are designed to point out the problems in your home that are costing you money in electricity each month. Home energy auditors are trained to detect problems in hidden areas and have equipment at their disposal that can pinpoint the cause of heat loss in your home.

References

• California Energy Commisson: Skylights
• DOE: Energy Savers -- Cathedral Ceiling Insultation
• Energy Star: About Attic Ventilation
• DOE: Energy Savers -- Home Energy Assessments