What is Tapered Insulation?
Tapered insulation is a sloped insulation system used on flat and low-slope roofs to create drainage paths and improve thermal performance.
Definition
Purpose
Tapered roof insulation helps ensure positive drainage, since water could accumulate if this is not achieved. The sloping boards allow water to flow to the designated drainage spots while also providing thermal insulation to the roof system. Well-laid-out layouts facilitate the required slopes, roof penetrations, and proper surfaces for membrane installation.
Examples of Use
- Flat Roofs: Flat roof tapered insulation creates drainage slopes beneath roofing membranes where the structural deck has little or no built-in pitch.
- Commercial Buildings: Tapered insulation systems are commonly used on offices, warehouses, retail buildings, and other commercial facilities with large low-slope roofs.
- Drainage Improvements: Tapered boards can direct water toward existing drains, scuppers, gutters, or other designated roof drainage locations.
- Roof Replacement: Tapered insulation may be added during roof replacement projects to improve drainage and increase the thermal performance of an existing assembly.
- New Roof Systems: Tapered insulation can be combined with cover boards, membranes, fasteners, adhesives, and other components to form a complete roof assembly.
Related Terms
Notes
- Tapered insulation is available in different thicknesses, slopes, and board configurations to suit roof layouts and project requirements.
- Common tapered insulation systems use materials such as polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene, or extruded polystyrene.
- Layouts should account for roof drains, penetrations, parapets, curbs, edges, and other conditions that affect drainage paths.
- Proper installation helps maintain the designed slope and provides a stable surface for the roofing system installed above.
- Tapered insulation may be used with flat roof membranes such as TPO, EPDM, and PVC depending on the specified roof assembly.
- Tapered insulation takeoffs may include insulation boards, crickets, saddles, edge pieces, cover boards, adhesives, and other associated materials required for estimating.
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