Condensation isn’t good news for a flat roof.
Condensation is never good news for a flat roof. This is especially so if it occurs within the roof’s structure itself as this can lead to decay in the roof timbers which is very difficult to spot.
It can also reduce thermal insulation performance which can be a particular problem during winter. Keeping your flat roof condensation free is vital for longevity.
To understand how condensation can be counteracted, it’s appropriate to explain how it occurs in the first place.
Condensation is a natural process which takes place when hot air meets cold air. In a building, hot air rises from within (aided by central heating and log burners) and out through the roof. At this point, it meets the cold air outside.
Problems can arise if the flat roof hasn’t been correctly constructed as damp will begin to form at the point where the hot air meets the cold air.
Homeowners will notice condensation on their windows during the winter as a result of central heating. This is particularly true if the windows are only single-glazed. This condensation again is caused by the hot air meeting the cold air outside, resulting in moisture on the inside of the window.
The goal of any flat roofing structure is to create a 100% waterproof layer which reduces or eliminates the risk of damp by allowing little to no moisture to gather in the roof.
Whether you can achieve this is dependent on the type of flat roofing product you opt for and how well it is installed.
Single-ply PVC membranes are vapour permeable, which means small amounts of moisture trapped beneath the membrane are able to evaporate. This makes it 100% resistant to blistering and as it is a breathable product, it will eliminate the risk of condensation.
Here at High Tech, we have an exhaustive installation process involving numerous protective measures to ensure our roofs are not only durable but maintenance-free over their lifetime. Our confidence in the product is supported by a life-time, insurance-backed guarantee.
The arrival of thermal regulations has driven builders to increase thermal insulation properties within all types of roofing structures. This can often have the effect of increasing condensation in parts of a roof not affected by insulation such as cold roof decks.
There are various ways of counteracting this issue and your flat roof specialist will be able to discuss the options with you. The main thing to remember is if you’re choosing a superior flat roofing product, the risks of condensation should be eliminated.
