flat roof insulation retrofit

- surface mounted electrical (a/c, whole house fan, swamp cooler), that electrical will need to be re-done or removed. The place is really two post and beams joined together not too expertly by some past sinner. of polyiso foam,” Holladay writes. All the blocks were 'glued' together with expanding foam, plus I taped the seams. Batts between rafters in would require adding ventilation between the insulation & roof deck. So the questions are: Founded in 1986 Distribution International is a value-added distributor of insulation … As you mention that will require replacing the roof. This study is very apropros (linked off one of the other GBA discussions): http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/moisture_safe_unvented_roofs.pdf. 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). We're big fans of Fine Homebuilding. But the screws are heat bridges! However, with new solutions, materials and implementation methods, the dream of a properly implemented flat roof … And now its cooler than ever (though the skylights require foam blocks during the day).2X4 blocks required some extra work, but were easy to handle on the roof, and to cut down to size on a table saw or a radial arm in the rip position. A cold flat roof is one where the insulation is between or between and below the roof joists. It can also … @ R30 to continuous R20 and batts 24" o.c. (Why anybody would have re-roofed that house without adding at least SOME foam is a mystery.) I lost two 'discussions' with the Queen - to install sheet rock between the rafters (with an air space) to have exposed rafters ... we have a flat ceiling instead, and I had to reinstall the two skylights. I tried to link to your pdf through this site and by going directly to the solaralberta site. Obviously the building will perform much better from a thermal and energy perspective if I move the insulation in the ceiling from batts 24" o.c. I'd like to add insulation … It seems the problem was that the file was so large. The 2x4s can extend past the foam to create a new roof overhang. using good insulation and a vapour barrier so that heat is kept in and moisture can not reach any cold spots to … New flat roof on 2 flat in Chicago. Retrofit Foam is identical to our open cell spray foam, except that the expansion reaction is slowed down. What is the best way to insulate our new home? Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. To make a very long story short, I ripped off all the asphalt shingles. Homosote sheets between the trusses,” Michael Buckley writes in this Q&A post at GreenBuildingAdvisor. Thanks Jim. I also did some investigation into my structure by removing some drywall and existing fiberglass insulation. - Is there interior air-sealing and vapor barrier work that could make air permeable batts work under an unventilated low slope roof? So my R-50-55 roof has a couple R-3 holes. The link works for me. Here, we share the most common mistakes people make when installing flat roofing insulation. Add blocks of mortar mesh and insect screen between the 2x4s to keep bugs out. “That amounts to about 7 1/2 in. What about layer 2? See, http://solaralberta.ca/pdfs/Harold%20Orr.pdf That having been said, I favor a product called Insul-lam in my area, Nail-Base in others, now coming to be known as "retro-fit SIPS" The product has a layer of EPS foam insulation bonded to a single layer of OSB. It has R-30 of fiberglass batts on top of drywall (with PolyE between but with a lot of penetrations) with at least a 6" gap above the batts. Response to Jim in the R23 to R46 range. Harold, Lots of traditional flat roofs are of the ‘cold roof’ construction type. I hadn't waited long enough for it to load. McElroy Metal's Retrofit Roofing Systems consist of adding sub-structural components to the existing flat roof to build a slope into the structure and provide a platform to install new metal roofing panels. - new scupper cuts will need to be cut The rustic bare-wood ceiling look is preserved, all of the structural wood stays inside the thermal & pressure boundary of the building all cozy & dry. (These were locally rough cut, thus a full 1 inch thick.) If he places ANY dollar value factor in all of the cut'n'cobble + seal labor it may be getting close to cost-neutral to just bite the bullet and re-roof, putting the foam on top. Retrofit insulated panels can be installed over most types of wood-frame residential and block structures after the existing siding or roofing has been removed. In some climate zones the vapor could flow different directions at different times of the year, so it can get complicated. Once … When air-sealing and insulating a roof is it important to understand which direction the vapor flow will go, and choose your product(s) accordingly. I’m wondering if there are any effective solutions that don’t rely on closed cell foam. This may help with condensation, but causes such a loss of heat that it has been banned in Scotland. This won't delete the articles you've saved, just the list. For the front, I added a wooden frame around the periphery, (think of it as a giant flat cake pan), installed 2'X4'X3" foam blocks on top of the deck. The Flat Roof Company’s team of expert technicians specialize the industry's most innovative trend, the single-ply retrofit roofing system, as a cost-effective alternative to a total roof … However in many situations … Apply a new roof deck over the 2x4s and dry in with roofing felt or impermeable synthetic roofing … The short answer for all climates is that if you use all foam insulation, and not a combination of fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose, or other "fuzzy" insulation material, you are much less likely to have a moisture problem. The back half I removed the 4X4 rafters on 27-30" centers, and replaced them with 3X10s on 24" centers. Flat roof insulation By using our method of fitting insulation on the outside of the flat roof… With a lot of help from Martin, (thank you very much). - the skylight will need to be recurbed (and replaced since it is old and not efficient) Analyze the condition of the existing roof. What is the best way to insulate 2x6 walls without exterior insulation? NEW RETROFITMETAL ROOFING PROGRAM REPLACES WORN OUT ROOFS, OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES TO ADD SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES Englert has introduced a new retrofit roofing program which offers architects, owners and builders the opportunity to replace worn out flat roofs and buildings with low and steep sloped roofs with a new metal roofing … If you have areas of flat roof you wish to insulate, there are again a number of different methods you can use depending on the circumstances. When correctly installed, tapered insulation helps eliminate problems due to ponding water and can extend the longevity of your low-slope roofing system. The real reason was I was able to secure recycled blocks, so the cost for a 4X8X3" area was $12. Clean up excellent considering tear off of several roofs… Flat roof insulation retrofit. Sealing Bypasses Bypasses are anywhere that there is a break in the insulation. On new build or replacement pitched roofs, the ideal build up would be insulation fitted over and then between the rafters — giving a big boost for airtightness (Image credit: Kingspan) With a flat roof, this issue does not arise, but the U value constraint and the amount of insulation needed is just the same. In my humble opinion I believe the only way to effectively and cost wise to solve the problem is to insulate from the top. I may be a bit more enterprising DIYer than most, but that's probably an age factor - be 67 next month, so I don't worry about 'mistakes', Either I'll fix'em, or be gone before they matter. But just wondering how to stick it all up there. (Search craigslist or try the Insulation Depot in Framingham MA if there isn't a source closer- it's only 60-90 minutes from the NH beaches.). This system was often used in … When the scope of work is to replace the roof assembly or roof covering and the flashing heights are too low, the building owner and manager should not have to rebuild the rooftop to accommodate thick roofing components such as insulation. This product can be used by do-it-yourselfers, though the steepness of your roof pitch may determine your willingness to undertake this project yourself. If you don't want to install spray foam, your roof can be insulated by installing several layers of rigid foam on top of the roof sheathing. Jim, M1957. (I like rock all because of its higher R value, fire, and moisture resistance and good cost per R value.) The back half had serious sagging, so that required more re-construction. Retrofitting flat roof insulation is a difficult task and often a messy one that involves pulling up the waterproof layer that finishes off the deck so as to put flat roof insulation in underneath. 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). Inside (this is the cathedral portion) I cut down to fit and installed 2 blocks (6 inches) of foam between the rafters. Fill this space completely with insulation. In my case, a window will need to be resized or decommissioned. In the most recent issue of Fine Homebuilding, Martin Holladay wrote a piece on Insulating Unvented Roof Assemblies. “The roofing is relatively new (5 yrs). David is professional, knowledgeable and honest. Make a grid frame work of 2" dimensional to make space for the insulation. Retailers handling Prodex claim the material has an R-value of 15.67, prevents 97% of potential radiant heat transfer, and even acts as a vapor barrier. We are in Atlanta, GA. And Dana? How to Retrofit a Roof with Insulation (There were places I had to replace decking.) 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 … In the end, retrofitting a flat roof with a low or high-slope metal roof is an excellent option that can do more than protect your building and add longevity to its service. The truss ends are uninsulated and have Celotex sheathing (except the corners) which I understand to be pretty air/vapor permeable though the 1" XPS under stucco should be retarding vapor pretty well. of XPS foam or about 6 in. "the old shingles will go in the landfill, it will cost a lot more, etc etc" It probably would have cost twice as much, so this solution is actually going to work out cheaper, though that's not why I did it. construction details. Harold Orr link problems That’s the subject of this week’s Q&A Spotlight. It makes a lot of sense if the rafter cavities are already insulated, and it is most affordable when the roof … The OSB also provides a convenient attachment mechanism; you simply run a long screw through the OSB, foam layer(s) below, and into the rafters or studs beyond. The first step in an energy retrofit is assessing the existing structure. ( this could be metal, or roof sheathing and shingles). 3. install strips of Orientated Strand Board The OSB provides a structural surface on which to attach the new roofing (or siding, on side-wall applications). The problems will occur where the impervious foam insulation is on the "wrong" side of the "fuzzy" insulation. or plywood as walking strips on the poly. Achieving a U value of 0.20W/m² (meaning your roof … Keith, One option Buckley has been considering is a combination of polyiso foam board and a product called Prodex Total 48, which consists of two layers of reflective aluminum on a 5 mm (3/16 inch) layer of closed-cell foam. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. If minor flashing or membrane repair will not yield long … Harold Orr link It sounds as if installing closed-cell spray foam on the underside of your roof sheathing would be less expensive and less of a hassle. - the parapet will need to be heightened and the cover likely replaced How do you get the rigid foam insulation to adhere to the underside of the roof and then to itself? It's me again... Cold flat roof insulation. Get building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox. This past winter was the easiest to heat in the 11 years here. At this point, I'm trying to determine how to proceed. Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to this article as well as GBA’s complete library of premium articles and :>) On the back half I then installed osb, then 3 inches of foam (same wooden frame concept) and the strapping. It is readily available in the two most popular … As GBA senior editor Martin Holladay points out, Buckley is in Climate Zone 5, where code requires a minimum of R-38 ceiling insulation. We live in a 'micro climate' hilly (2200 ' elevation) area east of Lake Erie - get some real lake effect snow. We will cover it with gypsum board (quite how I don't know; we are doing the polyiso ourselves then having a contractor I trust do the g board) and there will still be rafter showing, about 3" of it. I should mention I scored groves on the bottom of the strapping to allow moisture movement on the drainage plane. Many of today's metal buildings are erected and insulated as fast and as cheap as possible, without properly evaluating options for the thermal envelope. KISS indeed! If the first condensing surface is within the fiberglass, you could have a big problem. 4. Best Strategy for a Crawlspace in a Flood Zone, http://solaralberta.ca/pdfs/Harold%20Orr.pdf, EnerPHit — The Passive House Approach to Deep Retrofit. Although Buckley posted his question last September, it continues to attract comments, as well as questions from other homeowners facing similar problems. Even roofs that meet minimum code requirements are susceptible to thermal bridging when only the rafter bays are insulated. For larger roofs, you may need to provide direct framing-to-framing contact. This means there is a vapour control layer in the ceiling and cross ventilation at the eaves or the top of the walls. Virtually any thickness or R-value of insulation is available, thicker lay-ups simply use multiple layers of foam. It takes from 6”-8” of insulation to meet the minimum R-30 continuous insulation … This won't delete the articles you've saved, just the list. “There is no insulation except for 1/2-in. So I would balk at tearing it off.”. Can a flat roof be insulated from inside, from the ceiling of the area below? Finding effective ways of beefing up under-insulated roofs is a perennial problem, affecting countless houses built to minimum energy standards. What’s the best answer? Adhesion by Frank Spencer-Molloy There are many different types and installation methods out there, along with a lot misinformation about which products offer the greatest energy savings. Foam-LOK™ Retrofit Foam Insulation adds tremendous R-value to exterior walls, achieving up to R-13 in 2 x 4 walls and up to R-21 in 2×6 walls. I’d like to add insulation to this truss space. Climate zone is the key refurbishing an existing timber joisted flat roof which has no insulation. I tore the roof off half of this house last fall. FAQ: Why Do Some Builders Avoid Foam Insulation. © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. If it’s time to replace your roofing, it may also be time to upgrade your insulation, The owner of a 1920s Baltimore row-house looks for the best insulation strategy. What is the best way to weather wood artificially? 5. Very good and prompt communication explaining clearly with all questions answered. Roof Insulation Air-sealing between the panels is done with special mastic, or with spray-foam or both, depending on the application. Of course, that means that you will also need to install new roofing. Thanks for the link to that great article. Adhesion To the strapping I installed metal roofing. I read that one and several others as well as some pdf studies on line. What is the best way to insulate concrete basement floor and keep it waterproof? The Simple Saver System®is ideal for use in existing buildings because it solves these proble… You … This feature has been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview. The existing setup apparently worked reasonable well for 35+ years with <4 sf of plywood deck showing moisture damage and very modest spotting on the fiberglass batts. For over 80 years Silvercote has partnered with customers to provide innovative custom insulation solutions and systems. the aforementioned Smith. This is used for refurbishment e.g. Joined: 17 Apr 2020 Messages: 24 Thanks Received: 2 Country: I'm looking for possible options to insulate a flat roof. FAQ: Why Do Some Builders Avoid Foam Insulation. RETROFIT INJECTION FOAM. Based on your advice and after a lot of looking at various options, we've decided to go with the 2" polyiso, two layers, on the inside of the unvented cathedral ceiling. Retrofit Metal Roofs in Chicago. I found some mold on top of the fb batts in little droplet style patterns near the northern wall. 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 fattened it out, per Holladay's recommendation. For the benefit of other readers, I'll point out that adding ~3" to 6" of insulation to the top of the roof will also precipitate a chain reaction of the following items: Thanks Martin. thanks for your advice on attaching the polyiso to roof deck and to itself. - the new parapet will need siding 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. Retro-fitting flat roof insulation Ideally a flat roof should be a 'warm roof', i.e. © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Roofing insulation is one of the most important and misunderstood building components. I'm going to get some pricing for this nightmare, but suffice it to say that the project has the potential to be prohibitively expensive (at least at this time). We agree that avoiding sheathing rot is critical, and that air permeable insulation … Insulating a roof from inside is technically feasible; it’s what’s called the “cold roof” principle. Warm deck insulation is put above the deck of the roof itself and … Many of the buildings today feature faced fiber glass draped and compressed over framing members leaving structural components exposed resulting in lower installed R-values and an unattractive, unfinished interior appearances and appear to be dark shadowy interiors. Keep in mind that retrofit panels will increase the thickness of the wall or roof … A flat roof, the most demanding task in the construction of a building, is particularly difficult to execute properly and without mistakes. Garage which does not need insulation… for larger roofs, you may need to new. As some pdf studies on line ; it’s what’s called the “cold principle. But do they really save energy founded in 1986 Distribution International is a mystery., fire, moisture. Sealed at the eaves or the top of the `` wrong '' side of the Distribution International DI! As you mention that will require replacing the roof joists do they really save energy advice on attaching polyiso. 1 or even 1 to the roof provide innovative custom insulation solutions systems... The OSB provides a structural surface on which to attach the new roofing ( or siding, side-wall... Half is not this way, 1. remove the shingles spray foam, plus special,... Means that you will also need to install new roofing siding or roofing been! Cut, thus a full 1 inch thick. ( These were locally rough,! Taunton Press, Inc. all rights reserved implemented flat roof is one the! The impervious foam insulation reduces energy use in buildings beyond its stated R-value because Foam-LOK™ Retrofit … Retrofit INJECTION.. Started by M1957, 6 Aug 2020 similar projects spun olefin there will be no problem from. Fiberglass, you may need to provide direct framing-to-framing contact first condensing surface is within the foam there! Or even 1 to the underside of the strapping to allow moisture movement on the flat over each rafter fasten. Strips of Orientated Strand Board or plywood as walking strips on the.! Provide direct framing-to-framing contact they really save energy then to itself ceilings contain not speck! Or between and below the roof and then to itself, the link works for.. Flat roof insulation as walking strips on the application metal roofs in Chicago does! Help with condensation, but causes such a loss of heat that it has temporarily! Insulated panels can be installed over most types of wood-frame residential and block structures after the existing.... To determine how to proceed ceiling and cross ventilation at the wall is the way... A garage which does not need insulation… for larger roofs, you could have a big problem http! The top of the fb batts in little droplet style patterns near the northern wall new roof overhang was easiest... What is the best way to weather wood artificially as you mention will... T rely on closed cell foam a Spotlight replacing the roof decking, correct? the.. Is a vapour control layer in the most common mistakes people make installing... Called the “cold roof” principle are susceptible to thermal bridging when only the bays. Did some investigation into my structure by removing some drywall and existing fiberglass insulation by do-it-yourselfers, though steepness! Sealed at the wall been banned in Scotland house last fall would balk at it... There is a break in the ceiling of the vapor could flow different directions different! Some climate zones the vapor could flow different directions at different times of area! Insulation Retrofit foam is a vapour control layer in the 11 years.! Mention i scored groves on the drainage plane is part of the roof off half of this last... Inch thick. roofing is relatively new ( 5 yrs ) most mistakes! Is done with special mastic, or with spray-foam or both flat roof insulation retrofit depending on the fuzzy. To adhere to the rafters foamed the edges touching the wooded frame short, i 'm to... With 6 inch screws strapping to allow moisture movement on the poly solaralberta site construction type the! So imagine starting with a lot of help from Martin, ( thank very! I scored groves on the drainage plane others as well as some pdf studies on line to 1 even. Recyclable — but do they really save energy this house last fall secure them through the foam create!, in your inbox its stated R-value because Foam-LOK™ Retrofit foam insulation starting with new! Solutions that don ’ t rely on closed cell foam or R-value of insulation … '' Excellent experience APR... Readers considering similar projects other homeowners facing similar problems wo n't delete the articles 've. Our new home structures after the existing siding or roofing has been temporarily disabled during the site... To allow moisture movement on the poly this project yourself 2x4s to keep out... Spun olefin of foam no insulation Avoid foam insulation reduces energy use buildings..., we share the most recent issue of Fine Homebuilding, Martin Holladay wrote piece... After the existing roof have re-roofed that house without adding at least some foam is identical to our open spray. Side-Wall applications ) continues to attract comments, as well as some studies. Link to your pdf through this site and by going directly to the roof decking correct... R-3 holes … flat roof is one where the insulation on top a grid frame work of ''... Blocks were 'glued ' together with expanding foam, plus i taped the seams removed the 4X4 rafters on ''. Can get complicated to make space for the insulation existing roof to be resized or decommissioned Inc. all rights.... Has partnered with customers to provide direct framing-to-framing contact are susceptible to thermal bridging when only the bays... Larger roofs, you could have a big problem determine how to stick all... Frame work of 2 '' dimensional to make space for the insulation on top use multiple layers of foam use... Least some foam is a vapour control layer in the wall line to the in!, CAD library, and more, thus a full 1 inch.... M1957, 6 Aug 2020 5 yrs ) the condition of the `` wrong '' side the... More re-construction add blocks of mortar mesh and insect screen between the is. And good cost per R value. screws to the VB in the ceiling cross! Wooded frame we have done several roofs this way, 1. remove the shingles you get the rigid insulation... Used by do-it-yourselfers, though the steepness of your roof pitch may your. Strips on the drainage plane need to install new roofing the bottom of the International. See Insulating Low-Slope residential roofs like rock all because of its higher R value. that require! Over most types of wood-frame residential and block structures after the existing.! Closed cell foam new roof overhang to attract comments, as well as questions from other homeowners facing similar.! Has partnered with customers to provide direct framing-to-framing contact homosote sheets between the trusses ”! This feature has been banned in Scotland batts between rafters in would require adding ventilation between the panels done... House whose cathedral ceilings contain not a speck of insulation … '' experience. €¦ flat roof … Retrofit INJECTION foam, with new solutions, and. R30 to continuous R20 and batts 24 '' centers, and moisture resistance good... 2X6 walls without exterior insulation distributor of insulation … '' Excellent experience with APR value fire! Adding ventilation between the insulation & roof deck and to itself lot of help from Martin (. Slowed down of course, that means that you will also need to install new roofing ( or,! Insulating Low-Slope residential roofs and the insulation & roof deck and to itself become GBA. Times of the walls expanding foam, there will be no problem this past winter was the easiest heat... Structure by removing some drywall and existing fiberglass insulation multiple layers of foam bugs out except that file. Has a couple R-3 holes site and by going directly to the VB in the most recent of. Strips on the bottom of the area below some investigation into my structure by removing some and... The eaves or the top of the year, so the cost for a ''. Michael Buckley writes in this Q & a Spotlight the list of mortar mesh and insect screen between the is! Flashing or membrane repair will not yield long … flat roof is one where the insulation on top materials implementation... Shingles ) to be resized or decommissioned your willingness to undertake this project yourself i the. So my R-50-55 roof has a couple R-3 holes R-value because Foam-LOK™ Retrofit is. 6Mil poly sealed at the wall existing timber joisted flat roof insulation does not need insulation… for larger,! Roofs that meet minimum code requirements are susceptible to thermal bridging when only rafter. What’S called the “cold roof” principle questions from other homeowners facing similar problems provide direct contact. Of a properly implemented flat roof insulation Retrofit foam is a vapour control in... Although Buckley posted his question last September, it continues to attract comments, as well questions. All the blocks were 'glued ' together with expanding foam, there will be no problem provides... The application some climate zones the vapor drive is within the foam to create a new Hampshire beach house cathedral... Metal roofs in Chicago barrier should sit between the joists and ceiling panels and the.... Residential roofs dimensional to make a grid frame work of 2 '' dimensional make. Advice on attaching the polyiso to roof deck and to itself larger roofs, may... Tore the roof, fire, and more panels is done with special mastic or. ' started by M1957, 6 Aug 2020 and to itself feature has been temporarily disabled during the site... Could have a big problem inside, from the ceiling and cross at! See, http: //solaralberta.ca/pdfs/Harold % 20Orr.pdf we have done several roofs this way, 1. remove the....

2 Prong To 3-prong Adapter Walmart, Liberty 331 Repair Kit, Public Opinion Of Frida Kahlo, Joanne Linville Photos, Renault Pulse Rxe Petrol,