Polyurethane Roof Insulation
Introduction
This method of roof insulation involves the professional spraying of a rigid PU foam (Polyurethane) directly onto the underside of the slates or tiles in your roof, to a depth of approximately 50mm (2in).
Once applied this foam coating strengthens, insulates and consolidates the whole roof structure.
Advantages
This method of roof insulation offers a number of advantages;
- A permanent system that strengthens any roof.
- Dramatically reduces heat loss preventing freezing pipes & tanks.
- Provides a perfect cure for nail fatigue.
- Resistant to winds of up to 200mph.
- Seals all gaps preventing dirt, dust, rain & snow ingress.
- Environmentally-friendly & allows timbers to breath.
- Manufactured to British Standards Class 1 Fire Regulations
- Usually installed with 1 - 2 days.
- Often guaranteed for 25 years.
Additional details
Nail fatigue is a common failure in many roofs, especially in older buildings. Once it starts, tiles and slates begin to move and then need constant repair to keep the roof in place.
Roofs without a felt underlay will allow wind-driven rain or snow to enter the loft space, often leading to freezing of tanks and pipes. Conventional repair methods require stripping the roof and fitting new felt underlay and battens, and in most cases new tiles or slates.
Most insulation installers who specialise in PU foam will first re-align damaged slates and tiles, and check ridges and flashings before applying the foam. Once this process is completed the foam application can usually be completed in a day. Obviously this is entirely dependant upon the size of the roof in question.
With the PU foam method, a 50mm coating of foam locks all the slates/tiles in place, weather proofing the entire roof without altering the original appearance of the roof. The excellent insulation properties of the foam make it an ideal solution for insulating loft conversions. Also many architects and surveyors recommend its application to insulate the roofs on old grade I & II listed buildings.
PU foam insulation is widely used by councils all over the UK in both old and new buildings. It is regularly specified by surveyors and architects and has been used in schools, hospitals, factories, farm buildings, hotels and public houses – as well as private homes.
- Polyurethane foam meets BS476 Part 7.71 to Class 1 Surface Spread of Flame. Most installers offer a Comprehensive 25 Year Guarantee
Further information and useful links
- Find a Insulation Installer near you
- Find a Builder near you
- National Insulation Association
- Energy Savings Trust (est.org.uk)
- Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (ciga.co.uk)
- Party Wall Guidance (rics.org)
- Impact of the Party Wall Act 1996 (communities.gov.uk)
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