Tag: roof insulation

3 Types of Commercial Roofing Insulation Explained

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Choosing the right type of commercial roofing insulation is one of the most important components of any roofing project. Insulation not only protects your building from extreme temperatures, but it can also provide fire protection. When building managers are planning a re-roofing project, they often focus on the exterior components of the roof. However, what goes underneath the roof can be just as important. So how do you choose which insulation is right for you? Your roofing partner can advise you on this decision, but it may help to have a basic familiarity with your options. This blog will walk you through the three primary types of commercial roofing insulation.

1. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

When polystyrene is made with an expansion process, it spreads out the material in order to cover more area with less material. As a result of this process, expanded polystyrene is cheaper to make but provides less thermal resistance than some other roof insulation options. For the best insulation from the elements, a higher thermal resistance option is recommended. 

2. Polyisocyanurate (ISO)

This closed-cell foam insulation is the most common type of roofing insulation. It’s created by heating up different kinds of synthetic materials that are cooled into a rigid foam substance. This foam is then placed between glass or fiberglass panels. Polyisocyanurate is primarily used on flat roofs, and it is considered a step up from expanded polystyrene (EPS) in terms of its thermal resistance. This material is a good middle-of-the-road option for businesses that want effective insulation but have a tighter budget.

3. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

This type of commercial building roof insulation is made from the same material as expanded polystyrene (EPS), but it is created with a different process. The high-pressure extrusion process packs polystyrene into dense foam panels, providing more thermal and water resistance. This is considered a high-end option and is more expensive than many other types of roof insulation. You typically see this insulation type on “green roofs” or systems where H2O is present.

Regardless of which type of insulation you choose for your building, it’s important to always hire a qualified roofing technician for installation. If you want to learn more about what type of commercial roofing insulation is right for your building, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help with your roofing project.

Understanding the Connection Between Insulation & Commercial Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Everyone knows that a roof keeps buildings dry, but many might not realize the role roofs play in keeping a building warm. Insulation is a critical part of any roofing system, but the bigger the building, the more susceptible it is to temperature change. This is what makes proper insulation so important for commercial buildings in particular.

What Does Roof Insulation Do?

Insulation is a special material that sits between a roof’s outer layer and the waterproofing layer and/or deck. While there are many different types of insulation, they all work to protect a building from the elements outside. Here are a few things that roof insulation does for a building:

  • Regulates temperature: Insulation’s primary purpose is to prevent heat transfer between the building and the outdoors. Insulation seals the cold air out of a building in the winter and traps cool air inside in the summer, keeping the building at a comfortable temperature.
  • Reduces energy costs: Insulation seals out nasty weather, meaning that an HVAC system has less work to do to keep a building at an acceptable temperature. With insulation, just a little bit of temperature modification can go a long way because it will stay in the building longer without escaping through unsealed parts of the building.
  • Provides fire resistance: Most insulation is fireproof and can help dampen flames or restrict their spread in case of a fire. Some building codes require insulation in some cases to improve a building’s fireproofing.
  • Provides moisture protection: Insulation provides another line of defense between outdoor moisture and a building’s interior. Using the proper form of insulation can help prevent condensation under the roof membrane.

Proper Roof Insulation

Insulation goes into almost every building, but not every contractor knows how to insulate a roof properly. While some homeowners may install insulation themselves, this process becomes much more complicated with commercial roofs. It’s unlikely that a contractor or facility manager would know how to insulate a metal roof or how to insulate a concrete roof.

Improperly installed insulation can lead to leaks, moisture problems, and diminish a building’s ability to retain a comfortable temperature. With any insulation job, the most important thing is having the right roofing partner to avoid problems in the future.

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to learn more about how insulation can benefit your roof.