Two major roof insulation options available for flat roofs that can insulate your house effectively from harsh weather conditions are cold and warm roofs. Both are created simply by applying the different component layers of the roof in different order.
In warm roofs, the insulation layer is applied on top of the existing roof surface, above the rafters. For the cool roofs, the insulation layers are applied among the rafters. The cool roofs provide excellent insulation!
So, if you are curious about cold roofs, get into the article!
What are Cold Roofs?
The roof is called a cold roof when insulation is applied between the rafters to insulate your roof effectively. It is also referred to as a cold deck roof. In this type of roof, insulation sits directly over ceiling plasterboard, usually nestled between floor rafters.
The rest of the roof is constructed above the insulation, including decking and roof membrane. Proper ventilation is required in the cold roof to avoid condensation and mold build-up, which is acquired by keeping small gaps of 50mm above the insulation layer and the rest of the roof decking. The gap is known as cold roof space.
It should be vented properly to allow the circulation of air. Cold roofs that are installed by roofing contractors in Albuquerque are popular in colder areas to avoid damage and leakage caused by snow. The cold roof offers excellent house insulation and keeps it warm.
Which Insulating Materials Are Used In Cold Roofs?
Many types of insulating materials are used in cold roof settings. Most frequently, animal wool, such as glass or rock wool, is used as insulation. Loft insulation rolls and boards can also be used, including XPS insulation boards or PIR insulation boards.
Ventilation is very important on a cold roof. A cold roof must have a ventilated cavity of 50mm, ventilated on two opposing sides by a continuous gap of 25mm, allowing air to circulate. Warm moist air rises through the ceiling, into the ventilation space, and then circulates out. This ventilation space is incredibly important because if the warm damp air cannot escape, it produces water droplets that damage your ceiling.
The air above the insulation is cooler than the room below. So, the snow present on the roof does not stay and starts melting. Also, the snow takes longer to melt. There is less chance for ice dams to occur along the roof’s edges. Also, it prevents leaks or damage, which require expensive repair.
Working Of Cold Roofs
Cold roofs can work more effectively in the cold weather of regions with moderate temperatures in winter as they prevent the warm air inside your building from escaping into the surroundings and not letting the surrounding’s cold air enter your house.
A cold roof can last from 20 to 100 years, depending on the material used and maintenance done. A vapor control layer (VCL) is an important roof build-up component. It keeps the warm air inside the building inside. It is the primary barrier against high vapor-pressure air entering the roof structure and causing interstitial condensation.
In cold roofs, the VCL is normally found on the inside of rafters and is severely punctured when the internal finishes are applied, due to which VCL become useless in cold roof setting. As a result, the cold roof must have adequate ventilation to allow any potential condensation to dry out without causing damage to the roof.
Pros of a cold roof
Although the installation of a cold roof is a daunting task, there are a lot of benefits it provides to your house; some of them are:
- It is cheaper than a warm roof. The average price of a cold roof is 4$ to 9$ per square foot.
- It provides excellent insulation to your house.
- It keeps your home warm and cozy.
- It saves your house from the damage caused by snow.
- It reduces humidity and associated problems.
- It does not affect the height of the building.
Cons of a cold roof
The disadvantages of a cold roof are very few, which include the following:
- It is a more complicated construction.
- You cannot install it on pre-formed roofs.
- With cold roofs, there is an increased probability of thermal bridging, first if the joists are not insulated and second if there are gaps in the insulation.
Conclusion
Cold roof setting is an efficient form of flat roof insulation. It keeps your house warm and insulated in cold weather. So, if you live where it snows heavily, these roofs will be the best choice for you!