Polyfoam Board

• Polyfoam, Upsidedown Board 
• Ballasted Upside Down Roof Insulation

Description

POLYFOAM PLUS is a third generation, CFC-free extruded polystyrene, rigid foam board insulation. Unlike other polystyrene,

Foam insulation materials

POLYFOAM PLUS is extruded in a vacuum by a unique patented process. This, gives it a distinctive performance profile. Thermal conductivity is lower than most other insulation materials and water absorption is minimal - even after prolonged exposure to moisture and freezing conditions. Insulation efficiency is maintained throughout the life of the building.

Flat Roof Problems

Almost all the problems associated with flat roofs are caused by openings in the waterproof membrane. The conventional warm roof construction, see figure 1, places the thermal insulation between the roof structure and the waterproof membrane.

This keeps the roof structure at temperatures near to the temperature inside the building. The membrane, however, is separated from the roof structure by the insulation. This means that heat from the solar radiation is not easily transmitted from the membrane to the structure. Stress in the membrane is considerably increased. At the same time the risk of interstructure condensation remains because of the possibility of warm, moist air from the building meeting the cold membrane.

The membrane can be protected from these problems by installing insulation above the waterproof membrane in an upside down roof construction. See fig. 2.

The Upside Down Roof

This form of flat roof construction tackles the membrane vunerability problem by positioning the thermal insulation above the waterproof membrane.

Advantages

Placing the insulation at the waterproof membrane prevents. 

• Solar radiation damage to the membrane during hot summers.
• Mechanical damage to the membrane from roof traffic.
• Damage to the membrane from frost.
• Damage caused by interstirial condensation.

The life expectancy of the waterproof membrane is therefore greatly increased. Other advantages are:

• The insulation can be lifted to allow inspection of the membrane.
• Additional insulation can be laid without disturbing the membrane.
• The roof achieves an EXT FAA Raring.

The marry advantages detailed above can only be achieved if the thermal insulation has the following properties:

• Does not absorb water.
• Withstands the punishing effects of freeze thaw cycling.
• Has sufficient compressive strength to withstand surface traffic. 

Polyfoam Plus boards meet all these requirements and in addition are so tough they are unaffected by rough handling during storage and installation. They can be installed in any weather.

Physical characteristics of polyfoam plus