Insulated Roofing Solutions for Commercial Construction

Below grade insulation solutions create an excellent, energy-efficient foundation for a commercial building, and exterior above grade walls offer a host of insulation options ranging from rigid foam products to insulated building systems. To complete a high-performing thermal envelope, the final piece is insulated roofing solutions.

Most commercial structures have a flat roof; but whether the roof is flat or pitched, it can still be insulated to provide the most energy efficient building, keeping heating and cooling costs low. This adds value not just to the quality and comfort of the structure, but to the bottom line as well.

One product to consider for roofing needs is PlastiSpan Sloped Insulation. PlastiSpan sloped insulation board can be used for new and maintenance roofing projects of all sizes and is suitable for use with all types of roofing systems. Because PlastiSpan sloped insulation board is an expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, design thermal resistance values provided are not subject to thermal drift. (Meaning the R-value is the same now and will remain the same for the life of the product.)

PlastiSpan insulation can be used in more than just a sloped roof solution. Other applications for commercial construction include standing seam, built-up roofing, fire-rated assemblies, single-ply roofing and (in the case of pitched roofs) cathedral ceilings. Design and architecture do not have to be sacrificed to get the insulating values needed.

For projects that don't need a specially designed sloped roofing insulation, DuroFoam Insulation, a laminated rigid foam board, can also be used for roofing assemblies to ensure the energy efficiency of the building. The roof area can be the area of highest heat loss in buildings. In order to conserve energy and to make buildings more comfortable, building codes stipulate higher thermal resistances (R-values) for the roof area compared to other building components.

For a higher R-value solution for the roof, consider using an EPS product infused with Graphite bead, providing R4.7 per inch. This product, known as EnerSpan Insulation, is another roofing insulation option, and works well in commercial applications.

EnerSpan is a moulded graphite expanded polystyrene (GPS) insulation with a silver-gray colour. Manufactured using Neopor provided by BASF, a graphite-enhanced raw material that reduces radiation heat transfer resulting in higher thermal resistance (R-value) of 4.7 per inch.

The last roofing solution is an insulated building system, Insulspan Structural Insulating Panels (SIPs). Unlike the other flat roof solutions, SIPs are the complete, drop-in-place roof component that provides EPS insulation and structural strength. Insulspan SIP roof assemblies provide higher R-values than typical wood-framed construction alternates as there are significantly fewer thermal bridges. Longer spans, higher R-values, reduced site time, and less waste from building materials makes SIPs an excellent option for commercial roofing.

With all the insulation solutions available for commercial roofing applications, it can be hard to decide what works best. With a proven track record of quality, service, and expertise, Plasti-Fab can help make the next project a success.