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Comfort Zone: Protecting Your Comfort ZoneComfort Zone Insulation Team

Roof types, explained

What type of roof do I have — and can we insulate it?

I’ve personally been on thousands of roofs over 40 years, and I’ve yet to find one we couldn’t insulate with pumped-in cellulose. Find your roof below — each one shows how to spot it and how we insulate it — and there’s a gallery of real job videos further down. Not sure which is yours? Don’t worry, we work it out when we measure.

Start here

1. What's the roof made of?

The material tells us how we get in and out without damaging it. Find the one that looks like yours.

Close-up of a silver corrugated iron / ColorBond metal roof showing the rounded ribs and tek screws, the most common metal roof in SE QLDMost common

Corrugated iron / Colorbond

Rounded steel ribs about 50mm apart, usually held down with tek screws. Colorbond, Trimdek and old galvanised iron all live here. It's by far the most common roof we work on in SE QLD.

How we insulate it: We pump cellulose fibre in through the manhole, or lift a sheet where there's no access, so it lands as one seamless blanket with no gaps. A standard pitched iron roof is quick and tidy for us.

How we do ceiling insulation
A terracotta tile roof showing the classic profiled clay tiles, a cement or terracotta tiled roof

Tile (cement or terracotta)

Profiled clay (terracotta) or cement tiles on a pitched roof. They lift out one at a time, which is exactly how we get in and out without a trace.

How we insulate it: We slide a few tiles up and lift two out for access, pump the cellulose, then put every tile back the way it was. In 30 years on tile roofs I can count the tiles I've broken on one hand.

How we do ceiling insulation
A weathered grey corrugated fibro / Super Six asbestos-cement sheet roofPossible asbestos

Fibro / Super Six

Grey fibre-cement sheets with big wide corrugations (Super Six) or smaller mini-orb. If the house is older, treat it as possible asbestos until it's been tested.

How we insulate it: We never cut, drill or disturb a fibro roof. We pump cellulose from inside the ceiling, so the sheets are never touched. Please read our asbestos-roof page before anyone goes up there.

Asbestos & Super Six roofs
Brown stone-coated pressed-metal roof tiles that look like clay tiles but are made of metal

Metal tile (stone-coated)

Pressed-metal tiles with a stone-chip coating. They look like clay tiles from the ground but they're light steel — common on project homes from the 80s and 90s.

How we insulate it: They dent and kink if you walk them wrong, so we work from inside the ceiling wherever we can and only ever step where the batten supports the tile.

How we do ceiling insulation
A low-pitch flat iron roof where the metal sheets wrap over from one side to the other, usually with no manhole“Can't be done”? It can.

Low-pitch, ClipLok & wrap-over iron

Very low-slope roofs: standing-seam ClipLok, flat clip-lock, or old wrap-over iron where one sheet folds right over the ridge. Often there's no manhole and barely any roof cavity.

How we insulate it: This is the roof five batt companies will tell you can't be insulated. We can. We pump cellulose into the tight cavity — there's a knack to lifting and re-seating wrap-over sheets that most trades simply don't know.

No-cavity & low-pitch roofs

Then the shape

2. What's the ceiling shape inside?

This is really about the space above your ceiling — a big roof cavity is easy, a raked or exposed-beam ceiling has almost none. Either way, we have a method.

A dark grey concrete-tile hip roof viewed from above mid-job, with a ladder leaning on the gutter and one tile lifted near the ridge for accessEasiest

Standard pitched (hip or gable)

A normal sloped roof with a triangular roof space above the ceiling — hip (slopes on every side) or gable (a triangle of wall at each end). Most homes are this.

How we insulate it: Plenty of room to work. We pump a seamless cellulose blanket straight across the ceiling, over the joists and out into the eaves.

How we do ceiling insulation
Thick grey cellulose fibre insulation packed evenly between roof trusses under a tiled roof — Lawnton

Queenslander / highset

Older timber homes lifted up high, often with steep roofs and the manhole hidden in a wardrobe or hallway. The roof space can get tight right at the edges.

How we insulate it: We get in through the manhole and pump right out to the eaves. Cellulose flows into the tight edges that a batt can never reach.

How we do ceiling insulation
An installer's tools on a corrugated iron roof with the ridge opened to pump cellulose into a raked ceiling section — Mount BurrellLittle cavity

Raked or skillion ceiling

The ceiling follows the slope of the roof, so there's only a shallow gap (sometimes as little as 40–150mm) between the plaster and the roof sheet. No flat roof space to crawl into.

How we insulate it: We open the ridge or lift sheets and pump cellulose into the raked cavity. For the really shallow ones, we built our own tool.

Raked & skillion ceilings
A timber-lined ceiling with pale tongue-and-groove boards running between dark-stained exposed timber beamsNo cavity

Cathedral / exposed-beam

Timber-lined ceilings with the beams on show and the boards running between them. Beautiful — but there's no cavity at all above the lining.

How we insulate it: We pump cellulose into the gap between the lining and the roof sheet with our special exposed-beam tool, without pulling your ceiling apart.

Raked & exposed-beam ceilings
A timber A-frame house with a steep pitched metal roof and a cantilevered balcony

A-frame / steep pitch

A steep roof that comes most of the way to the ground, common on cabins and pole homes. The roof and the walls are nearly the same thing.

How we insulate it: We treat the sloped sections like a big raked ceiling and pump cellulose into them section by section.

Raked & sloped ceilings
Cellulose fibre on the ceiling and clean polyester batts in the in-ceiling wall, side by side, Comfort Zone

In-ceiling walls, bulkheads & split levels

Hidden vertical walls up in the roof space — where the ceiling steps up or down, around a raked section, or over a bulkhead. Easy to miss, easy to leave a cold gap.

How we insulate it: We fit polyester batts into those in-ceiling walls before we pump the flat ceiling, so there's no vertical gap left for heat to pour through.

In-ceiling walls & bulkheads

The little things

What else changes the quote

None of these are problems — they just take time, so they help us quote it right the first time.

A round recessed downlight with a brushed metal trim glowing warm in an off-white ceilingDownlightsEach one needs a safe clearance kept around it. A ceiling full of downlights changes the job.More
Two hands lifting a white ceiling manhole cover out of its frame, exposing the dark roof void aboveManhole & accessWhere we get in. No manhole, or a tiny one, just means we make access — and make it good again.
A cast-iron wood heater with a lit fire behind a glass door, on a stone hearth beside a basket of firewoodChimneys & fluesA flue needs clearance kept around it, and how much depends on the flue and its maker's instructions — a bare flue can need a lot — so we keep well clear and work around it carefully.
Two black whirlybird roof vents on a terracotta-tile roof that still needed insulating, because vents alone don't cool a roof, Woodford QLDFans & roof ventsBathroom and kitchen fans, whirlybirds and static vents all get worked around.More
Solar panels mounted across a tiled roof, viewed from below against a blue skySolar panelsWe insulate right around roof-mounted solar and its cabling — no problem at all.More
The Comfort Zone Insulation branded truck with "30 years cooling down QLD" signage parked at the depot — QLDTruck & ladder accessOur pump truck carries about 40m of hose, so it needs to get reasonably close to the house.
A finger points to a rusted lead-head nail fastener bleeding rust across the corrugations of a weathered grey fibro roof sheetRoof conditionWhile we're up there we flag what we find — rusted lead-head nails, cracked tiles, bedding gone in the ridge caps — with photos, so nothing gets missed.

From the tools

Watch: roofs, and how we get into the tricky ones

Real job clips, all in one spot — how we walk each roof type without damaging it, how we insulate the roofs other companies say can't be done, and the dodgy tricks worth watching out for.

Walking a Trimdek roof without bending the sheets
How to walk a tile roof properly
How stone-coated metal tiles kink — and how we avoid it
What a cracked Super Six fibro sheet looks like
Getting the sheets back in on a wrap-over iron roof
Insulating a shallow raked roof cavity
Our own tool for insulating exposed-beam roofs
Why an in-ceiling wall has to be done too
A lead-head nail rusting a roof — and why we replace it
The tile-clip scam: don't pay $5,000 for clips you don't need
Why roof vents can cause leaks, noise and pests
Cleaning loose stones off metal tiles before painting
Joints opening up on an old aluminium-tile roof

Some were filmed a while back — our methods, safety standards and products have moved on since. Subscribe to the channel for the rest.

Still not sure which one’s yours?

That’s completely fine — most people aren’t. Send us your address and a photo if you can, and we’ll identify it and quote the right way to insulate it. No roof has beaten us yet.

Roof FAQs

Common roof questions

Do I need to know my roof type to get a quote?

Not at all. Pick the closest match if you can, but if you're not sure, just leave it — we work it all out properly when we measure. Knowing it ahead of time only helps us bring the right gear.

What's the best roof for insulation?

We insulate them all. A standard pitched iron or tile roof is the quickest, but we've pumped cellulose into wrap-over iron, ClipLok, raked and exposed-beam roofs that batt companies wouldn't touch.

Can you insulate a roof with no cavity or a very low pitch?

Yes. Because we pump cellulose fibre in rather than laying batts, we can insulate roofs with almost no crawl space. See our no-cavity and low-pitch roofs page for how.

My roof is old fibro — is it asbestos, and can you still insulate it?

Treat older Super Six fibro as possible asbestos until it's tested. We never cut or drill it; we pump from inside so the sheets are never disturbed. See our asbestos-in-the-roof guide first.

Can you insulate a raked or cathedral ceiling?

Yes — it's one of our specialties. We pump cellulose into the shallow cavity, and for exposed-beam ceilings we use a tool we built ourselves to reach the gap without pulling the ceiling apart.

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Real reviews, real jobs

What our customers say

Genuine Google & hipages reviews from Comfort Zone customers across SE Queensland.

  • A

    Angela M.

    SE Queensland

    The fact that I can't even tell it's 6 degrees outside when I wake up in the morning speaks for itself. Have wasted so much money attempting to heat and cool an uninsulated home. Worth every $.

  • P

    P Peter

    Alstonvale, 2024

    hipages

    Connected with Comfort Zone Insulation and would recommend them

  • J

    Jessa B.

    Brisbane

    It dropped about 4 degrees straight away, and we added another 3 with the second job. I appreciate Peter's honesty, and the team showed pictures before and after.

  • N

    Nola M

    Birtinya, 2024

    hipages

    They were courteous and competent.

  • I

    Iain V-B.

    Brisbane

    Quick and polite service. Great follow-up advice and photos sent for our records. Above and beyond what we expected. Would highly recommend.

  • J

    Jennifer's E

    Upper Caboolture, 2024

    hipages

    Excellent customer service. Highly recommended. Has a profound knowledge of insulation products and has the best interest of his customer.

  • G

    Gerry S

    Fitzgibbon, 2023

    I used Comfort Zone and they have a done an excellent job.

  • J

    Jennifer

    Upper Caboolture, 2024

    hipages

    Excellent customer service. Highly recommend. Has a profound knowledge of insulation products and has the customer best interest.

  • J

    Jung K

    Riverhills, 2023

    An experienced family operation. Highly recommend. Thank you for the great job!

  • D

    Diane A

    Ormeau, 2024

    hipages

    Peter and crew did a great job I would definitely recommend them

  • D

    David H

    Sunshine Coast, 2021

    Completed the job as quoted and to a high standard. Great personal service. Would highly recommend Comfort Zone for ceiling installation work.

  • T

    Timea

    Highland Park, 2023

    hipages

    I was extremely satisfied with the service they provided. They gave a very thourough explanation of the materials used, the way the work will be carried out and the price I had to pay was the exact amount quoted, no hidden costs included. They arrived on time, well prepared and workwas carried out exactly how they said it would be, they were super efficient, well prepared and were kind enough to even clean up after themselves. The services they provided was second to none! I don't hesitate to recommend them for any insulation job!

  • B

    Benjamin H

    Carseldine, 2019

    Very good explanation about their works. Advice of existing problems with the roof. Clean work. Very professional.

  • M

    Mark

    Pottsville, 2017

    hipages

    Michelle, we are done - Peter from comfort zone insulation was very helpful. very honest with his recommendations - in fact he told me that the product my daughter had if installed correctly was superb. Thanks Peter you are a champion and i would recommend you to any person that was wanting professional advice and old school service.

  • I

    Ian G

    Burnside, 2019

    Good information, communication and professionalism.

  • J

    Jessica

    Pottsville, 2016

    hipages

    This business offers a fantastic product that other businesses did not. Pump in ceiling insulation. Knowledge of the industry second to none.

  • D

    Danny D

    Boondall, 2018

    He explained everything he was going to do and the different types of insulation they used. He talked through the different options but made a recommendation for the one most people use, which is the one I chose. He was very understanding towards what I needed and not about himself.

  • J

    Jack

    Pottsville, 2023

    hipages

    Excellent communication and informative. Professional.

  • G

    Graham R

    Riverhills, 2018

    Comfort Zone. Turned up ahead of time, completed in about 2 hours, cleaned up. All good. Very motivated installation team.

  • T

    Tony P

    Redland Bay, 2023

    hipages

    Very knowledgeable about insulation

  • A

    Alex B

    West Ipswich, 2018

    Fast, friendly, efficient.

  • S

    Steve

    Redland Bay, 2017

    hipages

    Excellent job and reasonable price.

  • L

    Luke D

    Mcdowall, 2017

    Peter did a good job. It was a quick and clean service. I'm happy to recommend!

  • B

    Bruce H

    Kuluin, 2023

    hipages

    Prompt and efficient quoting.

  • B

    Brendon

    Brays Creek, 2016

    Peter supplied and installed roof insulation for me. He was very informative and provided good advice.

  • G

    Gerry S

    Fitzgibbon, 2023

    hipages

    I used Comfort Zone and they have a done an excellent job.

  • T

    Trevor G

    Brookside Centre, 2016

    Excellent tradesmen from Comfort Zone Insulation. They were punctual and cleaned up after. Highly recommended.

  • T

    Tamara

    Underwood, 2023

    hipages

    Peter is honest, hard-working and came on time. Knew excally what he was talking about and answered my questions. Would 100% recommend

  • J

    John G

    Beaudesert, 2019

    Peter is an honest person who provided me with the information I wanted then performed a good job with great results for the benefit of myself and my family.

  • S

    Sterling G

    Ashgrove, 2023

    hipages

    Comfort Zone were very knowledge with great communication and follow up

  • G

    Graham R

    Riverhills, 2018

    hipages

    Comfort Zone. Turned up ahead of time completed in +- 2 hours cleaned. All good. Very motivated installation team

  • J

    Jung K

    Riverhills, 2023

    hipages

    An experienced family operation. Highly recommend. Thank you for the great job!

  • K

    Kathy A

    North Lakes, 2023

    hipages

    We connected with Peter through HiPages and he was prompt, professional and even came back after the job was complete to assist with a question we had. We would highly recommend Peter for further insulation works.

  • D

    David H

    Sunshine Coast, 2021

    hipages

    Completed the job as quoted and to a high standard. Great personal service. Would highly recommend Comfort Zone for ceiling installationn work.

  • S

    Sue H

    Sunshine Coast, 2021

    hipages

    Incredible customer service

  • E

    Eileen C

    Cedar Vale, 2021

    hipages

    Quality work, good customer service, prompt

  • C

    Craig M

    Woody Point, 2021

    hipages

    Called within 5 minutes of request. Very knowledgeable and explained job in great detail, provide great advice in prior preparation for works required. Very friendly and helpful.

  • J

    Jenny C

    Plainland, 2021

    hipages

    Although I did not hire Peter I was impressed with the initial contact and the knowledge he was willing to impart. I was treated with respect which I appreciated. I would have hired but I received a lower quote.

  • Q

    Quinton

    Coomera, 2020

    hipages

    Professional installation without any short cuts. True to their word with high integrity. Response from Comfort Zone Insulation

  • G

    Gary P

    West Kempsey, 2020

    hipages

    Came & Gave a free quote

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