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Why Tapered Insulation?

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S i m p l e

The use of tapered roofing insulation on new roofs eliminates the need to incorporate a fall into the design of a roof deck. On existing roofs, tapered roofing insulation in addition of new waterproofing membrane can be laid over the original waterproofing. This eradicates the need for stripping down the roof to deck level and may remove the need of a vapour control layer (providing the vapour control layer is undamaged and the deck is structurally sound).

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A f f o r d a b l e

The use tapered roofing insulation can be more cost effective than using alternative methods to create a fall in a flat roof for rainwater drainage purposes.

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F a s t e r

Tapered insulation avoids any wet trades and does not require any time to dry out, saving time in the scheduling of a construction project. For example, screed to falls systems may require in excess of 6 months to dry increasing further the risk of interstitial condensation.

There is a common misconception flat roofs are unreliable, but most flat roof failures are because of poor design rather than defective materials or workmanship.

 

There are many essential factors which must be accounted for when designing a flat roof.

 

Insulation and water run-off are two of the primary considerations when creating a successful flat roof and can be addressed with one product, tapered roof insulation.

 

Many flat roof failures can be traced directly to the failure of the roof to shed rainwater from its surface, leading to standing water, more commonly known as ponding. Ponding can have the following effects:

 

  • A greater risk of deflection due the weight of standing water.

 

  • Thermal stress of the waterproofing membrane from repeated freeze thaw action.

 

  • Dangerous slip hazards caused by algae, mould growth and from frozen water in winter months.

 

  • An increased risk of water ingress following mechanical damage.

 

  • Poor visual appearance.

 

  • Increased maintenance costs.

 

  • Decreased life expectancy of the waterproof membrane.

 

The most effective remedy to remove ponding is to design adequate roof drainage falls with tapered insulation providing:

 

  • Insulation and drainage in one.

 

  • Compatible with most waterproofing systems.

 

  • Practical alternative to screeding, structural falls, or firrings.

 

  • Easy to handle and simple to install.

 

  • Suitable for both new build and refurbishment projects.

 

Tapered insulation provides a solution to thermal insulation and water drainage on flat roofs.

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