Insulating Existing Flat Roofs

Cold roof a very bad idea.

Insulating existing flat roofs.

Here we share the most common mistakes people make when installing flat roofing insulation. Composite insulation reduces the need for a cover board when applying different membrane roof coverings. There are several different methods for insulating roofs and walls alike but with a flat roof you have to worry about water getting in. The target should be to achieve a u value of 0 25w m2k or better.

Insulating a flat roof presents a challenge even for experienced roofers and home builders. Cold roof systems are highly inadvisable as insulation from the inside will inevitably lead to the formation of condensation. Insulation material is placed on top of the roof. Flat roofing insulation is included in the costings put together by installation companies when quoting for a new roof.

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. The existing ceiling is sound but provides no insulation. To achieve this add 100 to 160mm of insulation above the structural deck dependant upon insulant conductivity. Alternatively existing insulation material may be reused when a new roof is installed if it s still in good enough condition.

This method requires the use of 150mm thick insulation between the rafters and a 50mm air gap to prevent cold bridging occurring. To produce a hot roof rigid insulation is fitted outside above the weatherproofing. I ve built a timber frame to support a new plasterboard ceiling below the existing one. To insulate an existing dormer we outline three of the more common methods below.

1 the first method is to use rigid insulation. 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. The chances of water seepage with a slanted roof are less simply because water is designed to run off and does not.

There is only a small gap between this ceiling and a concrete roof cold roof felt covered. There are many different types and installation methods out there along with a lot misinformation about which products offer the greatest energy savings. The typical u value of an existing uninsulated flat roof is 1 5w m2k. You will be unable to pass your building or extension through required.

Roofing insulation is one of the most important and misunderstood building components.