INSULATE PITCHED ROOFS: PAVATEX AS THE GO-TO RETROFIT SOLUTION, INCLUDING EXCELLENT SOPREMA SERVICE

Households in the UK are struggling with ballooning energy prices. From July 2023 onwards, energy bills are expected to fall to about £2,200 due to the decrease in wholesale gas costs, yet they will remain far higher than the 2021 energy price cap of £1,138 (before the gas prices started to escalate in late 2021).[1] Now more than ever, retrofit roof insulation is the smart move to make. In this article, we zoom in on a pitched roof scenario, discussing the benefits of working with PAVATEX and with Soprema’s experienced technical team.

EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF RETROFIT ROOFING

When it comes to retrofit pitched roof insulation, it is important to work with a partner who not only provides the right products and solutions, but who also has a thorough understanding of pitched roofs and the risks involved in insulating them.

Soprema has published possible build-ups for both externally fitted and internally fitted systems, based on the most common types of roofs in the UK (namely, felt roofs), the most common rafter depths and other roof aspects. Our build-ups comply with the most stringent standards, all the way through to Passivhaus.

Yet retrofit insulation is very much a case-by-case matter, for which our experts can provide bespoke solutions based on their insights (the very best in the retrofit roofing market) and on your expectations. This personalised approach is crucial given the many design considerations:

• the condition of the existing roof
• the build-up of the roof
• Building Regulations
• the required thermal value
• whether the building is in a conservation area
• the purpose of the building
• any additional requirements

REDUCING MOISTURE RISK IN RETROFIT SCENARIOS

Moisture is the main issue to consider when insulating pitched roofs using retrofit solutions. As an installer, architect or designer, you must think about how moisture will leave the building, because it will inevitably find its way into the roof system at some point (either because the waterproofing solution is temporarily punctured or otherwise damaged, or because of condensation caused by occupants cooking, bathing, and so on). The design of the roof must be able to deal with this moisture.

PAVATEX, then, has the enormous advantage of working with rather than against the moisture, enabling it to leave the system. After all, our woodfibre boards are highly vapour permeable. They buffer the moisture vapour and release it inwards and outwards, while maintaining air tightness. PAVATEX not only offers first-rate thermal and acoustic insulation; it is also an excellent solution for moisture vapour control.

ADDITIONAL PAVATEX BENEFITS

In addition to superior breathability, PAVATEX offers

• excellent thermal protection in winter, reducing heating costs, as well as heat protection in summer, keeping homes pleasantly cool
• superior sound protection, keeping interfering noise out
• protection from hail and water penetration, should the roof membrane be compromised
• ease of installation
• a carbon-negative effect (PAVATEX stores more carbon dioxide than it emits during manufacturing, shipping and disposal)
• the option of being recycled after the building is dismantled

HOW WE HELP INSULATE YOUR PITCHED ROOF

Soprema offers a wide range of services to help you with retrofit pitched roof insulation. We can do moisture calculations and U Value calculations, condensation risk analyses and CAD drawings, and provide specification support and technical guidance. As a result, we cover every aspect of your project so you can reach the final design stage with complete peace of mind as well as knowing what to do on site. If required, we can even assist with on-site training.

In general, we always advise you to work from the outside in a retrofit scenario. Increasing the height of the roof (often with only as much as 30 mm) and removing and reinstalling the slates is the easiest and most durable option. We also offer internally fitted systems, but they are inevitably more complex in terms of details. Their installation will probably require additional training because of the higher risk of errors.

For more information on INSULATE PITCHED ROOFS: PAVATEX AS THE GO-TO RETROFIT SOLUTION, INCLUDING EXCELLENT SOPREMA SERVICE talk to SOPREMA UK