How to Insulate a Flat Roof from the Outside?

Everyone demands a comfortable environment in their homes and wants to maintain structural integrity at its peak. For this purpose, insulation plays a crucial role in keeping the indoor climate persevering as you want and doesn’t allow the warm or cool air to exit from your territory. Do you want to insulate your flat roof from the outside to gain maximum perks, but you have no idea? Here in this blog, you’ll learn the comprehensive steps to get this job done the right way.

What is Roof Insulation?

As its name suggests, roof insulation involves the addition of a certain type of material to your roof’s corners, entry/exit points, and holes to block them properly. This helps to keep your indoor climate consistent in winter by keeping the warmth inside and keeping the rooms cool in summer by reducing the effect of sunlight and preserving air conditioning solutions.

Importance of Insulation from the Outside

Well, the landlords or tenants have the choice to either go for inside or outside insulation. Both offer similar perks, with some additional ones. Here are some of the top benefits of flat roof insulation from the outside of your building’s structure.

For Practical Reasons

First, the insulation of a flat roof from the outside is much quicker and doesn’t require moving the furniture and indoor items to another place. From the start to the end, the whole process is completed without interrupting residents from using the rooms and other spaces alike.

More Comfort

With properly insulated rooms, you won’t have to worry about the temperature outside as you are in the ideal comfort place. The insulation works to keep your property’s internal temperatures well-maintained regardless of seasonal changes.

Energy Efficiency

Since poor insulation requires more cooling to neutralise the indoor climate but with tip-top insulated flat roofs, your property’s internal temperature is well-controlled. This results in lower energy consumption, as over time, you’ll have to pay lower utility bills.

Moisture Control

Water damage and improper insulation are the major root causes of moisture coming inside. If this continues, it will result in mould growth and interior damage and can cost you a fortune if it is not addressed on time. That’s why outside insulation eliminates these concerns and keeps your home at its best, both inside and out.

Noise Reduction

You can maintain a tranquil environment by reducing both noise levels and disruptive outdoor sounds. This is achieved by creating sound resistance, and when noise levels increase around your home, you’ll experience reduced sound levels, which will enable you to concentrate on your work.

Steps to Insulate a Flat Roof from Outside

Materials required:

• Waterproofing layer
• Timber deck
• Timber joists
• Insulating material
• Vapour Control Layer (VCL)
• Plasterboard ceiling

Now, as you’ve explored the perks of flat roof insulation from the outside, it’s time to perform it by yourself and experience these benefits. Here’s how you can do it:

• At the start, you have to lay the foundation of 12mm plywood or OBS board on timber joints, which provides a solid base and supports the additional coats.
• The second step is to integrate a Vapour Control Layer (VCL), which keeps your roofs safe from moisture damage and condensation.
• To avoid the alignment issue, mark the points and use the rafter centres as a focal point.
• Once done, apply the butyl tape on each point to let it adjust with the VCL for a reliable seal.
• Adjust the thickness of the insulation so that it aligns with the guttering without blocking the water flow and drainage to the main lines.
• Now, integrate another layer of plywood at the exposed layer of insulation boards to add structural reliability to the final touches.
• Finally, you have to install a waterproof membrane to keep your flat roof structure safe from harsh weather conditions and allow it to exhibit maximum performance.