Ceiling insulation

8 years ago

My mobile home has a step-down roof, which is above a bay window. The intersection between the lower level and the upper level has developed a leak, due to a very hard winter this year. We discovered a large amount of water dripping off the metal after we pulled out the insulation, all of which was totally saturated. (No wonder it sagged!) Two types of insulation had to be torn out, clear up to the underside of the galvanized roof metal. Picture shows the problem area.

I don't know where to find the kind of insulated material, or what it might be called, that was directly in contact with the galvanized metal roof. The ragged edge of it shows in the left corner of the enclosure. It's a white material, which is coated on both sides with a brown, probably fire or heat resistant material. Another layer of regular fiberglass insulation was under it, below the thin layer. I figured that top level of insulation was there, above the normal insulation, since the roof can get pretty darned hot in the summer months - just a guess.

I need a suggestion, as to what I could use, to replace that kind of unique material, to mobile home roofing insulation, or whether it's even necessary. Local hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have nothing like it.

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Comments (2)

PRO
Michael Menn Ltd.
8 years ago
I can not tell you what insulation was used, but new technologies now existing. Your fist priority is to resolve the roof leak. Once that has been completed and you know the roof does not leak, I recommend a spray foam insulation where the installer can vary the thickness depending on the adaptability to the existing conditions.
Judy Hammond
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for your response. I agree. The roof needs fixed, first. I'm working on acquiring a new technology white and/or aluminum rubber sheeting for that section, which I will extend clear up to the next level. I am really considering Peel and Stick, since reviews are almost all enthusiastically positive. This section is 4' x 12'. Any opinions on that?

Forecasts are to that we won't be above 50° until early May (ugh!). In the meantime, I have applied a clear plastic sheet to the inside overhang, which allows me to see if it's still leaking. We are forecasted to have four days of rain this week, so I should be able to spot the leaks.

Do you know of anything other than a rubber sheet that could be applied at lower temperatures? I can't afford to hire anyone to do this, so it's on me and maybe a couple of grown grandsons. I have trees on the entire right side of the house, by the way. Small to medium sized branches fall on the roof, from time to time.

The rest of the roof was coated with a thick rubber sheet a few years ago, before I bought the place. I have had no leaks, elsewhere, thank goodness. They didn't apply anything to this section, for some reason.
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