Common Roofing Insulation Materials for a Flat Roof Patio
Posted on: 21 October 2019
Most homeowners think that patios and decks don't need roofing insulation. However, nothing could be further from the truth, especially if you own a partially closed patio or deck. Such insulation allows homeowners to enjoy their summer in the patio without sacrificing privacy. Unfortunately, most homeowners don't bother to install insulation on the flat-roof patio because the costs seem prohibitive for such a simple structure. This is where roofers come in since they understand the best inexpensive insulation materials for such projects. Read on for insulation materials for a flat-roof patio.
Rubber Insulation -- Recycled rubber was, for a long time, used to make different products, including roofing insulation material. It is best for insulating a flat roof and is composed of recycled rubber, slate dust and sawdust. The rubber insulation is considered one of the most affordable insulation materials out there. Additionally, rubber is environmentally friendly and tends to last longer, although it is one of the lightest insulation materials available. If your flat-roofed patio has a metal roof, roofers select rubber insulation due to the material's ability to withstand hot and cold weather conditions.
Fibreboard -- Fibreboard is one of the most common insulation material roofers use to insulate flat-roofed patios and decks. One of the main reasons for this is that fibreboard saves homeowners hundreds of dollars while still providing the desired insulation. Although fibreboard has an R-value of 1 and is typically installed in 0.5-inch thickness, roofers prefer to use thicker boards to achieve a much higher R-value. That said, one thing you must remember is that fibreboard is light, and any humidity present between the flat rood and the ceiling will damage the insulation. Therefore, roofers ensure that the aeration in a flat-roof patio is adequate to prevent moisture accumulation. This eliminates rotting and the growth of mould.
Oriented Strand Board -- OSB is another insulation material that roofers use for flat-roof porches. The technique works excellently with open spaces such as garages. Most roofers approach the installation by layering OSB boards over sheathing. The best part is that OSB boards come in varying thicknesses, which makes them versatile. For instance, apart from acting as insulation material, thick OSB can also be used as a load-bearing structure on a flat roof. This eliminates the need to reinforce the boards during installation. Additionally, OSB board installation requires framing out the flat roof to accommodate a slope. It allows the roof to drain well during rainstorms, thereby preventing water accumulation on the roof.
For more information, contact a company that offers roof insulation services.
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