SA Roofing May 2018 // Issue 100 | Page 30

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 28 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