Protection against weather damage and heat loss

Flat roofs must be able to reliably drain off precipitation. This is why even flat roofs should fundamentally have a pitch, especially since special measures are needed for roofs with a pitch of less than 2% in order to reduce the risk associated with water accumulation.

In addition to natural, biological, and physical stress, flat roofs are particularly exposed to thermal stress and the resulting strain.

Alternating heat and cold on roof surfaces as well as temperature differentials between the interior and the exterior all have an impact on the roof sealing system and on the building structure. Temperature-related changes in length can cause damaging deformations of construction materials and building components. Properly installed Neopor® insulation protects the structure and the materials from these undesired effects and also provides the requisite thermal insulation.

Renovation of flat-roof sealing systems

Cutting diagram for gradient roof elements made of Neopor®.

Waste disposal is also becoming more and more of an issue when flat roofs are renovated. This is why one should first ascertain whether the existing layers of insulation as well as the old breather membranes can be left in place. In many cases, this is a feasible, environmentally sound and economic solution. Any waves, bubbles or creases that might exist on the no longer functional roof sealing system should be cut off and patched over. In all such renovation work, additional insulation with Neopor® should always be inserted under the new sealing system, particularly since, as a rule, an additional insulation layer of Neopor® in the necessary thickness can be laid onto the cleaned old breather membrane without any problems in compliance with energy-related criteria1). The vapor-pressure compensation layer, the roof sealing system and the surface protection should then be installed on top of it in the same way that is done for new construction. The roof also has to be secured so that it cannot be lifted by strong
winds.

Detail elements for the ridge and valley.

In the case of roof surfaces with a pitch of less than 2%, it is recommended that the additional thermal insulation be configured in the form of a gradient-insulation layer made of Neopor® gradient elements so as to ensure proper water drainage.