Editor's Notepad

A New Roof is an Opportunity to Add More Insulation

comments (0) March 20th, 2012 in Blogs

Scott Gibson, contributing writer

The new roofing will be EPDM. But what about insulation?

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A homeowner in Baltimore needs to replace the built-up asphalt roof on his house, and wonders how to insulate it effectively at the same time. Although there's some insulation in the space between the ceiling and the roof deck, there isn't much--not even close to what current energy codes recommend. Eric Dymond is looking at a couple of options, including the recommendation from his roofer that he add 2 in. of polyiso insulation over the roof sheathing and cap that with EPDM, a synthetic rubber membrane.

More from greenbuildingadvisor.com

Green Basics: Insulation

Green Basics: Rigid Foam Insulation

Green Basics: Blown In or Loose Fill Insulation

Getting Insulation Out of Your Walls and Ceilings

Q&A: Low slope EPDM or TPO?

Dymond recognizes that 2 in. won't be enough insulation. He'll need more. But he's having trouble with the idea of adding 7 in. of foam and EPDM. Another possibility is adding batt or blown-in insulation in the cavity beneath the roof deck.

One complication is the potential for a rooftop deck, a popular feature in his area.

He asks for advice in a Q&A post at Green Building Advisor, and the replies are the subject of this Q&A Spotlight.

Read the whole article at Green Building Advisor.