Refurbishment / retrofit insulation:
Unventilated roof insulation

Introduction

• The concept of an ‘unventilated’ roofing is relatively new. Developed over the last two decades, the principle is based upon the introduction of low vapour resistance (LR), ‘breathable’ sarking membranes to the market. A ‘breather’ membrane allows internally produced water vapour to pass through the membrane, whilst preventing the ingress of rain and snow.
• Moisture passing through the breather membrane is dispersed through the ventilated cavity formed by counter battens over the rafters.
• A breather membrane for pitched roofing is defined by BS 5250:2002 as a one that has a water vapour resistance figure of less than 0.25 MNs/g.
• For designers, the advantage of using ‘unventilated’ construction comes from removing the necessity to provide a ventilated cavity below the sarking. Together with not having to provide a ventilation pathway, the technique permits insulation to be installed within the full depth of the rafter.




Breather membrane ( in colours )

U-value target

The EST target u-value for the rafter-level insulation of a pitched roof is 0.20 W/m2K, though much higher values are achievable.

NB

• The roof insulation methods illustrated below are for general guidance only. The performance of products and methods of fixing vary. When specifying, confirm with the product manufacturer their installation methods and expected performance.
• Beware when combining different insulation materials. Check with respective manufacturers regarding possible condensation risks.

Insulation positions

The existing (ventilated) roof

In addition to the possibility of defective / decaying materials, existing roofs are unlikely to meet with current regulations – even less with best practice standards of thermal performance and air permeability. Check condition of timbers before proceeding.

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Between the rafters only

The most straightforward treatment is to add insulation to the full depth of the rafters.

	Minimal raising of existing roofline
	Maintains internal space and head height.
	The shallow depth of the rafters might inhibit achievement of performance standards.
	Thermal bridging through the rafters

Typical U-values: between and below rafters

MIneral wool	U-value W/m2K
150mm	0.26
PUR / PIR
150mm	0.22

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Between and below rafters with added counter battens

By effectively extending the depth of the existing rafters, it is possible to improve the potential thermal performance of the roof through providing an extra thickness of insulation.

	Minimal raising of existing roofline
	Provides for extra depth of insulation.
	Reduces internal space and can compromise head height within the room.
	Thermal bridging through the rafters

Typical U-values: between and below rafters

Between (mm)	Below (mm)	U-value W/m2K
Mineral wool between and below*
100	100	0.18
160	100	0.15
200	100	0.12
Sheep's wool
100

Sources: *Knauf;

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Between and below rafters with added rigid insulation

By effectively extending the depth of the existing rafters, it is possible to improve the potential thermal performance of the roof through providing an extra thickness of insulation.

	Minimal raising of existing roofline
	Provides for extra depth of insulation.
	Reduces internal space and can compromise head height within the room.

Typical U-values: between and below rafters with added rigid insulation

Between (mm)	Below (mm)	U-value W/m2K
Mineral wool between and PUR / PIR below*
100	40	0.23
160	40	0.17
200	40	0.15
Phenolic foam between and below**
75	60	0.18
100	60	0.16
150	60	0.12
200	60	0.10

Sources: *Knauf; **Kingspan

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Between and above the rafters

Breathable insulating sarking above rafters

Insulation above the rafters

Adding insulation above the rafters is the ideal solution where internal space is at a premium. Together with insulation between the rafters, this solution can achieve high levels of thermal performance.

In addition to the more common rigid forms of insulation, products new to the UK market have been introduced that combine breathable sarking with insulation. These wood fibre-based boards have been well-proven on the continent since the 1930s. They provide (subject to specification) the potential for a completely ‘breathable’ form of construction by the use of ‘breathable’ insulation materials between the rafters. In a ‘breathing’ roof, VCLs are not required at ceiling level – and only air-tightness membranes are required if using a service void.

	Provides for extra depth of insulation
	Maintains existing internal space and head heights.
	Insulation attached over the rafters reduces thermal bridging
	Requires raising of the roof line
	Combining an insulation material of vapour resistance over the rafters (eg foam board) with insulation of relatively low resistance (mineral wool) between the rafters is not advised unless an effective VCL is used on the u/s of the rafters.

Typical U-values: between and and over rafters

Between (mm)	Over (mm)	U-value W/m2K
Sheep's wool between and over*
125	50	0.24
150	75	0.19
150	100	0.17
150	175	0.14
Hemp / cotton between and insulating wood fibre over**
100	100	0.21
150	100	0.17
Mineral wool between and over
100	70	0.23
125	70	0.20
150	70	0.18
Phenolic foam between and over***
60	70	0.16
80	90	0.13
100	130	0.10
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) between and over ****
100	75	0.17
125	75	0.15
150	75	0.14

Sources: *Second Nature; **NBT; ***Kingspan ; ****Knauf;

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Air tightness

• In most instances, a combined air tightness / vapour control layer (VCL) should be located on the warm side of the insulation.
• It is essential to maintain the air tightness of the construction. If services are run behind the air tightness layer, punctures are to be expected through pipes and wires entering the habitable space. These punctures should be located through rigorous site inspections and sealed accordingly.
• An alternative is to form a ‘service zone’ (shown in these examples) by adding battens to the underside of the VCL before covering with plasterboard.

General design and installation notes

• Before commencing work, examine the roof timbers for rot, damp and infestation
• Confirm with the insulation manufacturer the expected u-values and suitability of planned construction particularly where condensation control is required.
• Ensure that fire protection is provided to the underside of the rafters by using 12.5mm plasterboard or similar.
• When using rigid insulation boards, preference should be made for interlocking boards. All joints should be taped and the joint and the junction between the rafter and insulation is sealed with foam (leave a 5mm gap).
• Air cavities where occurring between the vapour control layer and the u/s of the insulation should be sealed top and bottom.
• Ensure that the space between the wall and roof insulations is continuous at eaves.
• Avoid recessed lighting
• Cables less than 50mm away from plasterboard should be enclosed in metal conduits

Downloads

• Practical refurbishment of solid-walled houses, Energy Saving Trust, 2006
• Energy efficient refurbishment of existing housing CE83, Energy Saving Trust, 2004
• Refurbishing dwellings - a summary of best practice CE189, Energy Saving Trust
• Thermal Improvement of Existing Dwellings, Clarke et al, University of Strathclyde, 2005

Publications

Building Research Establishment (BRE)

• Thermal Insulation: Avoiding Risks, C.Stirling, BRE Press, 2001
• Installing Thermal Insulation, BRE Press, 2006

Standards

British Standards Institute (BSI)

• British Standards associated with roof insulation  (.doc)

Further information

• Insulation materials compared
• TRADA
• National Insulation Association
• British Urethane Foam Contractors Association

 Pitched roof insulation products on GreenSpec

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