What is flat roofing insulation.
Flat roof insulation requirement.
Continuous insulation zones ashrae 90 1 ashrae 189 1 igcc ibc iecc 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2009 2011 2014 2012 2015 2009 2012 2015 0 25 1 15 20 2 15 20 25 3 15 20 25 4 15 20 302535 5 15 20 302535 6 15 20 3035 7 15 20 3540 25 8 20 3540 25 minimum r value non residential above roof deck.
Cold roofs and warm roofs.
Cold roofs have the waterproof layer placed directly onto the roof deck and the insulation inside the roof just above the ceiling.
With a flat roof this issue does not arise but the u value constraint and the amount of insulation needed is just the same.
See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
An r value tells you how well a type of insulation can keep heat from leaving or entering your home.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Insulation is required to minimise heat losses in the winter and control excessive solar gains in the summer.
Flat roof insulation.
The tables below show the suggested u values in england wales and scotland.
Typical recommendations for exterior walls are r 13 to r 23 while r 30 r 38 and r 49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.
Insulation r values vary based on the type thickness and density of the insulation material.
The higher the r value the better the insulation.
There are two types of flat roof.
Laying flat roof insulation.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
Insulation ratings are measured in r values per inch of thickness.
Insulation for flat roofing is used to make a structure more energy efficient and minimise heat loss.
A common differentiating criteria between different types of insulation is the amount of r value they provide when correctly installed.
Insulation level are specified by r value.
There are many options available to fulfil this requirement as you will find out below.
Another major performance issue with insulation and energy savings is its air sealing capability.
Recommended home insulation r values.
As a rule any roof with a pitch below 10 is classified as a flat roof.
Achieving a u value of 0 20w m meaning your roof will be better insulated than your walls will need 120mm thickness of rigid foam or 200mm of mineral wool or natural insulation.