Can You Insulate A Flat-Roof?

Here at High Tech Membrane Roofing we are often asked whether it is possible to insulate a flat roof and the answer is yes

With energy bills rapidly increasing, putting further pressure on cash-strapped homeowners, here at High-Tech Membrane Roofing we believe now is as good a time as any to consider insulating your flat roof.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a quarter of the heat from your home will escape from your loft or roof space if it is not properly insulated and advises homeowners to take measures to address the problem to save money while also helping the environment.

As Basildon’s flat-roofing experts, here at High Tech Membrane Roofing we are often asked whether it is possible to insulate a flat roof and the answer is yes!

It’s possible to insulate flat roofs from both the inside and outside although the former may require removal of parts of the ceiling. Whichever system you opt for, here at High-Tech we strongly recommend homeowners hire a professional because the work required is complex and skilled.

The best time to insulate your existing flat roof is when you’re having repairs carried out or replacing it for a new system. The two main ways of insulating your flat roof are known as the “warm roof” and the “cold roof” techniques.

Warm Roof

A warm roof is an effective solution which causes minimal disruption because it doesn’t impact on living space however it might not be possible in every circumstance as it increases the height of the roof itself. This method consists of adding a layer of insulation above the rafters, which has acoustic benefits.

Although this procedure is straightforward, you are making the roof approximately 4inches higher and this may mean other alterations to the roof structure will be required.

The aim is to maintain heat in the roof structure to prevent roof timbers from conducting heat away from the inside.

Cold Roof

Cold roof installations are focused more on the internal aspects of a flat roof and involve insulation materials being installed between the roof joists from below. This means a gap must be left between the insulation and the roof structure to allow air to circulate and to avoid condensation as well as damage to the structure.

This procedure must be performed correctly otherwise condensation can form which is why it’s important to seek advice from an expert.