What insulations are used in terraces above the rooms?
The terrace - both in the above-ground version and located above the rooms of the lower floors - is one of the most attractive spaces in the house. It has not only recreational but also representative function. However, to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to ensure the proper construction of the terrace, including its proper insulation. Otherwise, it will quickly lose its use and damage.
The importance of terrace insulation
It should be remembered that the terrace located on the upper floors takes over the functions of a roof, therefore it should be equipped with equally effective insulation. There are two types of these - thermal insulation and water insulation, also called waterproofing. Their purpose is not difficult to guess: the first one prevents heat transfer from the room located under the terrace, while the second prevents moisture from getting inside. Any errors in their implementation may cause the formation of water stains on the ceilings and walls of the lower rooms, the development of mold and fungi, which pose a threat to the health of the inhabitants of the house and may contribute to additional destruction of the building structure, as well as disturbances in the thermal management of the object. You should not forget about the damage to the terrace itself - poorly made insulation will result in cracking or loosening of ceramic tiles, which are the surface of the terrace slab. This happens when the water getting under the tiles freezes and increases in volume will cause them to burst.
What is roof insulation made of?
Various types of materials are used to make roof insulation. Here are some of them:
• Polyisocyanurate - is an improved version of the commonly known polyurethane. This material is prepared in the form of light and thin, and at the same time extremely hard and durable plates. - Also commonly called PIR panels, they are characterized by a very low thermal conductivity coefficient, thanks to which they allow to effectively insulate rooms located under the terrace surface
• Undercoating felt - they consist of a core made of polyester or fiberglass and a coating of modified or ordinary asphalt. They are laid in two layers, separated by a ballast of fine sand or a polyethylene film insert.
• Foils - made of high density polyethylene. There are flat and embossed films. They are often used instead of roofing felt.