Roof Insulation is considered as one of the most important components for the proper functioning of a building. The purpose is to control thermal transfer between indoor and outdoor temperatures. Commercial building roof insulation mainly is of prime concern in any regions which are subjected to extreme weather (both warm or cold) variations. It is also a vital part of soundproofing.
Commercial roofing is very crucial due to its impact on the entire building’s energy efficiency. In fact, it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the internal temperature of the establishment. The membrane roofing usually consisted of several layers of materials. Among these, the rigid membrane is the one that is applied on top of the concrete slab. The rigid membrane roofing is the most popular amongst all the other types of materials due to its long-lasting feature and ability to bear tremendous temperature variations.
The loft insulation helps in improving the overall heat retention capability of the building. During summers, it helps in maintaining a balanced indoor temperature within the structure. This prevents the occurrence of soaring temperatures inside the living space which can prove harmful to human health. During winter, the same system works to maintain a comfortable heating condition inside the dwelling. As a result, the warm air from the living space is replaced with cold air coming from the loft.
Installing the warm and cool roof insulation is relatively easier than the cooling and heating system installed in the flat roof. However, installing the latter is an expert job that requires a considerable amount of expertise and experience. Since warm loft insulation is installed at the foundation of the structure, it is very difficult to install it on the flat roof. The presence of gaps and leaks in the flat roof may lead to damage to the internal components.
The installation of a warm deck and the cold deck is relatively easier than the installation of loft insulation. Though both these systems are relatively easy to install, their installation depends on the climatic conditions and space available in the house. For a warm deck, one needs to dig out a gap at least six inches deep at the edge of the terrace or deck. A layer of organic material is then spread over the top of the organic layer. While installing the cold deck, you need to dig out a gap of between four to six inches deep at the edge of the cold deck. A layer of organic material is spread over the top of the organic layer.
Both warm and cold roofs are insulated using the principle of radiation. In the case of the warm roof, the warm air is allowed to pass through the material that is filled into the cavity created by the insulation. The heat is absorbed by the air trapped underneath the insulation, which moves through the ventilation system to the outer surface of the building. This process generates damp heat, which is then conducted to the attic where it is used for heating the home.
Cold roof structure is the opposite of warm loft insulation. In such a case, the warm air is forced to pass through the cold layer of the roof structure. As the warm air passes through the condensation, the moisture becomes water and eventually drips onto the exterior surface of the building. Thus, it is necessary to remove the condensation to ensure that the roof structure dries out completely after the rainy season ends.
If you do not want the dampness and condensation on the external surface, you should install rigid foam insulation under your shingles. It is important to install the insulation beneath the shingles as the moisture collects on them due to the movement of the wind. There are different types of rigid foam insulation. You should choose one that suits your specific needs. For instance, if you want to reduce the amount of condensation on your exterior surfaces, you should go in for a high quality rigid foam insulation that has high R-value. If you want to keep your interior temperature warm, you should go in for low R-value insulation, while if you want to keep the interior temperature cool, you should go in for a medium R-value rigid foam insulation.
