When it comes to flat roofing insulation, there are several options available. You may want to choose among Perlite, Phenolic foam, or Dense-pack cellulose. There are also many other types of insulation you can use, so be sure to do your research and choose the best one for your particular home.
Perlite
Perlite flat roofing insulation is an effective way to insulate your flat roof. It works by trapping air bubbles that act as insulation. It is usually mixed with wood fiber and covered with asphalt to improve moisture absorption. As a result, it can withstand more temperature changes than conventional insulating board.
Perlite insulation board is produced by a continuous wet forming process using a Fourdrinier machine. In this process, expanded perlite, fiber and binder are mixed in a dilute aqueous slurry. This mixture is then moved onto a screen where it forms a wet mat. The resulting board is then dried to remove any remaining moisture.
Perlite flat roofing insulation is an effective and economical insulating board. It has a density between 10 and 12 pounds per cubic foot and meets or exceeds FESCO board density standards. The average density of perlite board is higher than that of standard insulating board, but is lower than other insulating boards.
Perlite flat roofing insulation has been used in flat roofing applications for many years. This natural insulation is an excellent choice for many types of flat roofs. It has a high R-value and is environmentally friendly. It has been manufactured since the 1950s and is considered a pioneer in the field of flat roofing insulation. It is also very economical and has a stable R-value. It is widely used in the roofing industry and can be used in composite construction boards.
Extruded polystyrene
Extruded polystyren, or XPS, is a closed cell, commercial grade insulation material that is lightweight and resistant to weather. Its properties include low thermal conductivity, high compressive strength, and low water vapor permeability. In addition, it is ideal for inverted flat roofing.
EPS is made of a blend of polystyrene polymers that undergo an extrusion process. The resulting material expands due to tiny amounts of gas, creating a closed-cell foam. EPS is available in flat, tapered, and expanded varieties and can help reduce the cost of flat roofing insulation.
XPS is a highly durable, reusable, and recyclable roofing insulation material. It can be re-used after roof leak repairs, reducing the amount of tear-off material disposed of in landfills. In addition to being reusable, XPS retains its R-value and energy-saving capacity even after exposure to water. In contrast, EPS is less durable than XPS due to its closed cell structure and beads that are hydrophobic. Its thermal resistance is lower than that of XPS, which makes it a good choice for old roofs that have been exposed to water.
XPS insulation offers an excellent thermal barrier, and has low moisture absorption. It is also very resistant to fire. Since it can be reused, XPS roofing insulation is an excellent choice for green homes. Manufacturers typically use 15-30% recycled polystyrene in their production process. Furthermore, XPS is lightweight and durable, allowing it to be easily cut and shaped.
Another popular material for flat roofing is Perlite. Perlite is composed of a mixture of organic fibers and binders. The air cells inside the expanded perlite provide excellent insulation. Perlite is available in flat and tapered board varieties.
Phenolic foam
Phenolic foam for flat roofing insulation was an innovation that was briefly popular in the early 1980s. Developed in response to energy shortages and regulations, this material offered higher R-values for roofing systems while allowing for minimal re-roofing. However, the insulation was not without its faults. Within ten years, the product started to exhibit major defects and lead to the largest class-action settlement in history.
One of the most common problems associated with phenolic foam for flat roofing insulation is its corrosive nature. When wet, phenolic foam creates an acid that corrodes the metal deck underneath. It can cause large holes and surface rust. This creates a risk for equipment to fall through the roof. Therefore, remediation of this problem is important and should be completed as soon as possible. This issue may be a liability for the building’s owner, as insurance will not cover remediation costs.
Another issue with phenolic foam is its low thermal values. While the material is not ideal for flat roofing insulation, it is suitable for soffit lining and facade applications. Despite its low thermal value, phenolic foam is extremely fire-resistant. The product is usually fixed with stainless steel or plastic plates. However, it is essential to ensure that the fixing of the foam is done properly. Otherwise, the foam will develop a sulphonic acid, which will cause corrosion of carbon steel fasteners.
Phenolic foam for flat roofing insulation is not recommended for use on buildings with a steel roof deck. As such, if you’re considering installing this type of flat roofing insulation, check with the manufacturer. Some companies will offer it, while others won’t.
Dense-pack cellulose
In the process of flat roofing insulation, dense-pack cellulose is blown into the roof cavity. In contrast to spray foam, which requires a complete site evacuation, dense-pack cellulose allows homeowners to live in their homes during the installation process. In addition, dense-pack cellulose does not need a temporary heating system and can be installed even during freezing temperatures.
This material is environmentally friendly because it is made from recycled materials. Some cellulose types even have added fire retardants, such as borate. This fire retardant is non-toxic and affordable, but is extremely effective at controlling temperature. Dense-pack cellulose works especially well when reinforced with Intello Plus, which provides excellent pressure and temperature resistance.
This type of insulation can be applied over polyiso, in between ceiling joists, and in the attic. It should be installed at a consistent depth and be leveled using a leveling stick. When installing dense-pack cellulose, it is best to hire an experienced contractor. You can also use this material over an existing roof, if you have enough headroom.
This insulation is an effective way to improve efficiency in your flat roof. It prevents the growth of mold and fungi and helps to reduce energy costs. It is also a great fire retardant and is cheaper than other types of insulation. This makes it an excellent option for flat roofing.
Rolls of bituminous material
When it comes to flat roofing insulation, rolled bituminous material can be an excellent choice. Its main benefit is its low cost, but it has several drawbacks. For example, it tends to crack under extreme temperatures. Also, it may take as many as four or five layers of bituminous material to fully protect your flat roof.
When installing this material, it is vital that the contractor be certified and licensed. He should also have a full-time supervisor overseeing the project. This person must be in charge of any secondary materials that may be required, as well as the primary roofing. In addition, the installer must be certified and licensed by the manufacturer of the system he is using. Moreover, he should have installed the material on at least two projects in the past ten years. When installing the bituminous material, be sure to ask for proof of certification from the contractor.
Modified bituminous material for flat roofing insulation can be applied in a variety of ways. Modified bituminous roofing should always be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. It should be properly heated before installation, and it must be adhered to the roof properly to avoid any problems. If properly installed, this material is a very reliable roof. However, its disadvantages include the fact that it can be harmful to workers and the environment.
Modified bitumen is a great option for low-sloped buildings because of its durability and cost. It can withstand extreme temperatures and water, while also being flexible and affordable. This type of roofing is typically installed by torch down methods, though other processes are available. In addition to torch-down roofing, it is also possible to install SBS modified bitumen roofing material using cold or hot adhesives.