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Roof

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Insulating the walls of a building but not insulating the roof makes no sense at all. Whether it is a flat, pitched or hipped roof, the insulation should be at least the same as the walls. This is how it can be achieved.


Same insulation levels for the whole shell

The roof structure you choose for your home should be insulated to a level that is compatible to the level of insulation you choose for your wall system. Otherwise all of the energy you are saving from your insulated wall system will literally be going through the roof! Consideration should be given to future use of the roof structure. Will you be aiming to use it as a roof garden in the case of a flat roof? will you be looking to convert the attic space into a bedroom, office space or hobby room in the future. In this case you can go for a SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) system or a conventional attic truss roof.

roof garden

If you intend to use it as roof garden it may be wise to opt for a concrete roof structure. Some of the more reputable suppliers of styrostones provide a concrete flooring system that can achieve spans of up to 12m wide unsupported. This means that you can have freedom of wall configuration on the floor layout below the roof. Or for that matter any floor level.

The roof will need an appropriate water proof covering. This will again be down to personal preference however you will be somewhat guided by planning requirements and local environment.

tanking

A concrete roof will need to be appropriately tanked prior to installing your final paving , decking or Green Roof.

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