Retrofit Insulation Flat Roof
The concept can be applied to almost any flat roof and low slope or high slope configurations are possible.
Retrofit insulation flat roof. Remove two or three roof sheathing boards near the perimeter of the roof leaving one or two boards at the parapet figure below. But even though an unconditioned roof won t benefit from being covered in foam it will need to be detailed so that it aesthetically matches the rest of the roof retrofit work. Our insulation for existing flat roofs is ideal for extensions dormer roofs and includes a layer of either 25 50 75 or 100mm insulation board. Image courtesy of building science corporation.
In essence a steel framework is erected over the existing roof. I d like to add insulation to this truss space. These new roofs can be either low sloped less than 2 12 functional roofs or high pitched greater than 2 12 architectural roofs depending on the expectations of the building owner. This is then covered with a further weatherproofing layer.
I m wondering if there are any effective solutions that don t rely on closed cell foam. The house has a flat epdm roof open chord roof trusses no ventilation and r 30 fiberglass batts with dubious installation quality wiring interrupts can lights swamp cooler ducts. It needs to be furred out with something so the trim details will later match. Cold roof a very bad idea.
Exterior roof insulation retrofit unvented roof covering the roof of an old house with a blanket of insulation makes the house more comfortable and it cuts energy use. For larger roofs you may need to provide direct framing to framing contact. To produce a hot roof rigid insulation is fitted outside above the weatherproofing. 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.
The use of metal retrofit roofs allows the flat roofed buildings to undergo a transformation into a sloped roof building. Flat roof insulation by using our method of fitting insulation on the outside of the flat roof above the main decking boards but below the waterproofing layer we are able to protect the deck boards. Sheathing is removed from a flat roof to retrofit with air sealing insulation and water control layers. Cold roof systems are highly inadvisable as insulation from the inside will inevitably lead to the formation of condensation.
It makes a lot of sense if the rafter cavities are already insulated and it is most affordable when the roof needs replacement.