Blog Layout

Can I Add Insulation to a Commercial Roof?

FLOYD MASON • Jan 31, 2021

If you are looking to make your building more energy-efficient, adding insulation to your commercial roof is a great option. There are several ways to add insulation to your roof to help reduce heating and cooling costs, which are governed by state and local codes, as well as cost factors.

Adding insulation to your roof, especially in areas where there are extreme fluctuations in climate, is crucial and can provide you with noticeable savings in your energy costs.

Key Considerations for Commercial Roof Insulation

The commercial roof insulation will be installed right below the roof membrane. The insulation materials range from liquid applied foam or insulating concrete to rigid boards. When looking for commercial roof insulation, there are a few key things to consider, including:

Durability and Impact Resistance

Durability is a major factor for your commercial roof to ensure it can withstand harsh weather conditions. While your roof membrane serves as the first line of defense against impact, the insulation is the next line of defense. The commercial insulation you choose will need to be able to withstand the impact of HVAC maintenance traffic and falling debris that are common on a commercial roof.

Fire Resistance

With fire-resistant roofing materials, you can help prevent fire and limit their damage to your property. It is crucial to have proper fire testing and certification for a safe, long-lasting roof. You should look for a roofing system that has an FM Class 1 fire-resistance rating or UL Class A rating.

R-Value or Thermal Resistance

The R-value refers to how well the insulation material can resist the flow of heat. Your insulation’s R-value will contribute the most to your roof’s R-value rating. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material is at resisting heat.

When choosing the R-value, be sure to consider what will be best for your environment and our building. Keep in mind that the R-value also follows the law of diminishing returns. Once you reach certain thinness, you no longer get the same benefit from additional insulation layers, whereas too much insulation can stress your roof membrane.

Types of Insulation for Commercial Roofing

There are a variety of commercial roofing installation options, all ranging in material type, installation methods, R-value, and manufacturers. We can work with you to help you determine the best course of action.

Common types of commercial roof insulation include spray foam, mineral wool, fiberglass, extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and polyisocyanurate (polyiso).

Professional Commercial Roof Services

At ACR1, we can help you determine the best type of insulation material for your commercial roofing system. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you insulate your roof and reduce your energy costs.

Author: Floyd Mason

Born and raised in farming in Iowa

Worked in and around construction since 1977

BS in Corporate Finance and Financial & Estate Planning from Brigham Young University. Involved in Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years, Scoutmaster 15 years Estimator, Project Manager, Sales Representative, Crew Leader, Laborer, Territory Manager, District Manager, Regional Manager, National Sales Manager,

ACR1.COM Sales & Marketing Manager since 2013.

Best Roofing Practices for Mines and Mineral Plants -
26 Mar, 2024
Don't let harsh conditions affect the longevity of your roofing system. Learn the best practices for protecting mines, mineral plants, and other industrial facilities from ACR1 Commercial Roofing.
Monolithic Roofing Systems Explained
26 Mar, 2024
Upgrade your commercial building with the latest monolithic roofing systems. Discover the benefits and how they can protect your property for years to come with ACR1 Commercial Roofing.
13 Feb, 2024
Flat roofs can be a great choice for buildings due to their affordability and durability. However, if not done correctly, flat roofs are prone to water damage. Proper drainage is essential for the longevity of a flat roof, and selecting the correct drainage system is critical. Here we will discuss three common flat roof drainage systems - gutters, interior drains, and scuppers - as well as their pros and cons. Gutters Gutters are the most common form of flat roof drainage because they are low-cost and efficient when it comes to redirecting water off the roof. Gutters should be installed at a certain angle (approximately 1/4” per foot) to ensure proper water drainage. Gutters also need to be maintained over the years, as debris and leaves from storms or rain water can clog them up and create standing water. Pros: Low-cost installation and maintenance Easy to install Can direct water away from the foundation of the building Cons: Prone to clogging Requires periodic maintenance and cleaning Overflow from rain storms can cause damage to surrounding areas Interior Drains Interior drains are often seen as the higher-cost alternative to gutters. They are installed directly into the flat roof’s membrane and include a network of pipes that drain water off the roof into a downspout. Pros: Low maintenance More reliable than gutters in terms of preventing roofing damage Can be adjusted to fit any size of flat roof Cons: Expensive installation and maintenance costs compared to gutters May require frequent adjustments depending on the environment surrounding the building Can be difficult to install if the roof does not have the right slope Scuppers Scuppers are metal or plastic openings that allow water to drain off flat roofs. They generally come in square or rectangular shapes and are installed along the perimeter of a roof. The size and shape of scuppers should be adjusted accordingly in order to prevent water from overflowing onto the sides of a building. Pros: Easy and cost-effective installation Low maintenance costs compared to gutters or interior drains Can be adjusted to fit any size of flat roof Cons: Prone to clogging due to debris and leaves Overflow from rainstorms can cause damage to surrounding areas Can be difficult to install correctly if the roof does not have the right slope When it comes to selecting the best drainage system for your flat roof, there are a few things to consider. Gutters, interior drains, and scuppers all offer their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select the right drainage system for your needs in order to ensure the longevity of your roof and protect it from water damage. Flat Roof Repair and Inspection Services If you are looking to repair or replace your flat roof, make sure to contact a certified roofing professional who can assess your current roof and provide the best solution for your needs. At ACR1 Commercial Roofing, we specialize in flat roof repair and installation . Our team of certified professionals has years of experience working with flat roofs, so you can be sure that your roof is in safe hands. Contact us today to learn more!
Flat roof with pooling water
13 Feb, 2024
Learn about the unique challenges and solutions for flat roofs when it comes to handling rain, and how ACR1 can provide expert commercial roofing services for your building.
By FLOYD MASON 11 Sep, 2023
Flat roofs can be a popular choice for homes and commercial buildings, but they must be maintained and managed correctly to ensure that rainwater doesn’t cause damage or unwanted leaks. That’s why it’s important to understand the components of a flat roof drainage system and how they work together.
Can You Use Silicone on a Flat Roof?
By FLOYD MASON 30 Aug, 2023
Learn why silicone roofing is becoming more popular with flat roofing and the benefits it can provide your roof from the experts at ACR1.
Common Commercial Roofing Problems for Florida Businesses
By Floyd Mason 14 Jul, 2023
Florida businesses need to be aware of these common commercial roofing problems! Prevent damage to your roof with these tips here.
Why Flat Roofing is a Popular for Chicago Businesses?
By FLOYD MASON 22 Jun, 2023
Designing your commercial building? Learn why flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular among local businesses and how you can benefit from them.
Flat Roof Maintenance for Spring
By FLOYD MASON 22 May, 2023
Are you in need of commercial roof maintenance as we move into spring? Find out the best preventative steps you can take to make sure your roof is ready.
How Hail Damage Can Impact Your Roof
By FLOYD MASON 29 Apr, 2023
Learn how hail can cause serious damage to the roof of your commercial property, and what steps you need to take in order to protect your investment from future storms.
More Posts
Share by: