REGULARS: ROOFING MATTERS
The type of roof to be pitched plays a role in insulation system installation.
Waterproofing and
insulation: a perfect match
It’s uncommon to hear about insulation, its properties and how to
install it properly, especially when preparing to waterproof a roof.
TIPSASA gives some tips on how to do it.
By Richard Polling, group director MRC Group and board member of Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association SA
Does waterproofing go hand
in hand with insulation?
There are many types of insulation
available in the market place with a vast
myriad of performance characteristics. The
type and position of the insulation used in
conjunction with a waterproofing system
depends on whether the roof is to be
considered a cold, warm or inverted roof.
A cold roof construction is one where the
insulation is laid between the ceiling joists
and not in the pitched rafters. This means
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MAY 2018
RESIDENTIAL // COMMERCIAL // INDUSTRIAL
that everything above the insulation is waterproofed flat roof and the
cooler than the living space. Warm, waterproofing system is laid above the
moisture laden air can permeate up insulation.
through the ceiling. The roof space above
An inverted (or protected) roof
the insulation needs to be ventilated to construction is where the insulation is
remove the damp air and therefore prevent positioned above the waterproofing
condensation forming. systems therefore providing long term
A warm roof construction is where the
insulation is positioned into or above the
main rafters forming a composite roof
protection of the waterproofing, while still
offering insulation performance.
The required design performance,
system. This form of construction is the insulation system, ventilation and
main preference of insulating a waterproofing products must be considered