When is a warm roof not a WARMroof?
21st February 2023
What is a WARMroof solid conservatory roof?
Many companies claim that they are suppliers of warm roof systems, but what exactly is a Warm roof construction by definition? The NHBC defines a warm roof as ‘A roof with Insulation placed directly below the waterproofing layer.’ Therefore, a warm roof will make the entire outer face of the roof structure warmer to eliminate any cold bridging.
A true warm roof will have a continuous insulation layer above the rafters and immediately below its weatherproof membrane. A warm roof construction allows heat to be conserved within a property – without the need for a ventilation system. So is more efficient, and less prone to condensation build-up.
How does a WARMroof tiled conservatory roof work?
A warm roof construction has many benefits over a traditional ‘cold roof'. It is essentially a ‘breathable roof construction’, which allows moisture to escape, which in turn prevents dampness and any associated decay problems.
Most warm roofs use solid PIR insulation boards that sit above the roof deck, topped by moisture-tolerant boards. This changes the ‘Dew Point’ where warm and cold air streams merge and turn to liquid, condensation is formed. With a warm roof, moisture is isolated before it can reach the roof deck – meaning condensation can’t form and weaken the structure. And as a result, there’s no need for ventilation gaps. Which some cold roof’s neglect to install properly, if at all, this can be detrimental to the longevity of the roof structure.
A warm roof is recognised as being the most suited form of roofing to the UK climate, providing both a cost and thermally efficient solution. Most building control departments will always advise a warm roof construction is used over a cold roof alternative.
WARM ROOF VS COLD ROOF TILED CONSERVATORY ROOFS
Although many systems will state a warm roof construction in their promotional material, the fact that there is insulation between the rafters, which are directly below the weatherproof deck means this is in fact a 'cold roof' construction by definition. Cold roofs need to be ventilated as condensation is expected to form within the roof structure, this is called interstitial condensation, and is a real problem that can build over time, we will cover this topic in a later edition.
With an average room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and a UK average of 50% humidity to the inside of a property, the dew point is 9 degrees Celsius and so condensation can affect solid, insulated tiled roofs with a cold roof construction for over half of the year. By specifying a WARMroof system from the outset, there will be no call backs or remedials as a result of mould or condensation to the inside plasterboard.
A fully insulated eaves and soffit area cuts out any chance of thermal bridging at the head of the frame / wall junction. A continuous 70mm phenolic insulation sits above the roof rafters ensuring the entire structure is kept warm with no chance of thermal bridging or condensation forming below the roof deck. The additional layer of insulation on the outside of the roof also ensures there is no need for additional layers of insulation on the inside of the roof below the rafters, therefore no need for unsightly add-ons. The roof conforms to building control criteria and without insulated plasterboard or additional battening on the inside, reducing the cost and hassle for finishing the inside.
Our award winning WARMroof system is designed to be just that, a Warm Roof. All the criteria of a warm roof as defined in this article have been achieved.