I have to repair or replace a roof on a 1″ rise to 12 ” run roof in northern Utah. The current roof is tar and gravel. An additional problem I would like to solve is one of thermal insulation. The upper floor of the house, built in 1953, takes on a huge heat load in the summer (and I am sure that heat goes escapes during the winter). I am considering a spray polyurethane foam roof with a white plastic or rubber cover OR a rigid, single ply roofing and insulation material which will also be covered with a white plastic or rubber cover. I can find considerable information about the use of this kind of “cool roof” system for commercial buildings but not for residential. Any advice would be appreciated. Fee
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Fee,
On flat and sloped roofs I use 2" foil-faced (both sides foil is always stocked around here...CT) polyiscyanate insulation. About R-13 for the two inches. Gap the sheets 3/8" or so, then use canned foam to seal the gaps, then use 2" Al tape to make the foil continuous over the foamed gaps.
Does an absolutely fabulous job of limiting solar/radiant heat gain into the living space.