Insulating Existing Flat Roofs

There are several different methods for insulating roofs and walls alike but with a flat roof you have to worry about water getting in.

Insulating existing flat roofs.

Composite insulation reduces the need for a cover board when applying different membrane roof coverings. Here we share the most common mistakes people make when installing flat roofing insulation. Insulation material is placed on top of the roof. The target should be to achieve a u value of 0 25w m2k or better.

1 the first method is to use rigid insulation. Roofing insulation is one of the most important and misunderstood building components. The typical u value of an existing uninsulated flat roof is 1 5w m2k. Retrofitting flat roof insulation is a difficult task and often a messy one that involves pulling up the waterproof layer that finishes off the deck so as to put flat roof insulation in underneath.

There are many different types and installation methods out there along with a lot misinformation about which products offer the greatest energy savings. Cold roof a very bad idea. Cold roof systems are highly inadvisable as insulation from the inside will inevitably lead to the formation of condensation. I ve built a timber frame to support a new plasterboard ceiling below the existing one.

To achieve this add 100 to 160mm of insulation above the structural deck dependant upon insulant conductivity. Insulating a flat roof is a task that must be done during construction. Composite insulation works in flat and low sloped roofs with a variety of roof coverings. You will be unable to pass your building or extension through required.

Flat roofing insulation is included in the costings put together by installation companies when quoting for a new roof. Hack n stack sealed foam board between the rafters would be better since it s at least an air impermeable insulation but even that would require a vent gap below the roof deck to meet code and you d still be under r38 on that 2x6 rafters unless you fattened it out per holladay s recommendation. To insulate an existing dormer we outline three of the more common methods below. The chances of water seepage with a slanted roof are less simply because water is designed to run off and does not.

Alternatively existing insulation material may be reused when a new roof is installed if it s still in good enough condition. Insulating a flat roof presents a challenge even for experienced roofers and home builders. This is then covered with a further weatherproofing layer. To produce a hot roof rigid insulation is fitted outside above the weatherproofing.

This method requires the use of 150mm thick insulation between the rafters and a 50mm air gap to prevent cold bridging occurring.