Do you want to know if a tapered roof can actually reduce your flat roof costs?
Perhaps your flat roof is not tapered, and you are suffering from roof problems. A common problems is roof damage from a leaking roof, because your flat roof isn’t draining properly. If your roof collects rain water during storms, and it seeping into your building, you need to know your options and prevent such problems in the future.
Sounds Familiar?
If so, you’re in the right place! In fact, a tapered roofing system can definitely solve your roof problems and prevent further damage or unexpected expenses.
Tapered roofs are a great investment for property owners and managers with flat roofs.
In this post, were going do go in detail and explain what a tapered roofing system is and how it can benefit your property. We hope to answer most of your questions, so by the end of this article you will be confident enough to move forward and invest in a tapered roofing systems for your business property.
Invest Now, and Save Later
Considering drainage reasons alone, a tapered roof is better than a flat roof. For commercial buildings with flat roofs, re-roofing is a great opportunity. There are ways to make some long-term improvements that will save you money in the long run. If you’re going to make a major investment in your property, it’s important to choose the roofing that’s best for your needs and budget.
Did you know that water intrusion causes 40% of all building related issues for commercial properties?
Tapered Roof Insulation
Builders install Tapered Roof insulation on a flat roof, adding a positive slope that will improve your roof’s drainage. While still having the benefits of a flat roof, this slight slope can make it easier to drain excess water and debris. In turn, more effective drainage will extend the life expectancy of your roof and make it easier to maintain!
When considering tapered roof insulation, it’s important to be aware of your local code requirements.
Of course, you can easily see that Residential roofs, like on a Gabled roof, have a taper to them. However, builders design that feature into the tapered roof trusses or rafters in homes. Each roof surface is still in a flat plane, not varying slopes, as with the tapered flat roofs.
In the roofing industry, when we discuss tapered roofs, it’s usually the insulation addition over flat roofs we’re talking about.
What is a Tapered Roof?
A tapered roof system is where the slope or ‘pitch‘ of a roof is formed by insulation easily allowing water to flow into a drainage system. Tapered roof systems are also know as Tapered Roof Insulation. Roofers install tapered roof tiles so water doesn’t pool on the flat roof surface, reducing roof leaks and damage to the upper membrane.
When we speak of tapered roofs, it’s usually referring to flat roofs that have added tapered roof sheeting, creating a slope and changing the pitch of the roof. This usually improves drainage.
We install tapered, rigid roof insulation of varying thicknesses, taking care to have the thinnest insulation around drains. After smoothing out joints, it’s covered with a rolled roof membrane, and sealed up tight with flashing and caulk.
The end result is a roof with no flat areas where water ponds, and great drainage.
To find out more detail about tapered roof insulation sizes and specification such as minimum thickness and r value please check out “Tapered Insulation” by Facility Executive.
Where are Tapered Roofing Systems?
Flat commercial roofs usually have a tapered roof, because it is usually required for commercial building with flat roofs to have a tapered roofing system.
Due to the cold and inclement weather of Western New York, the commercial building code requires certain standards for the slope of commercial roofing. Some areas require the tapered roof insulation slope to be ¼-inch-per-foot while others need 1/8 -inch-per-foot. It’s important to always have a permit and consult a professional when installing a new roof. This is hardly a do-it-yourself project! Getting the tapered roof insulation slopes correct is a tricky task.
We call the most common tapered flat roof insulation used tapered EPS Roof insulation. Invented in the 1960s, Cellofoam Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation gives buildings great energy efficency. Architects call for EPS Roofing in most new builds for that reason.
Tapered flat roof insulation upgrades older buildings, improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. If you care about climate change, you’ll want tapered roof insulation board used when upgrading your flat roof.
In moderate climates, where energy efficiency isn’t a focus, builders use tapered wood for flat roofs, improving drainage. Contractors build tapered timber for flat roofs custom to the job. Workers usually build their flat roof tapered timber out of 2 x 4s and 2 x 6s. We also call them tapered roof battens.
Tapered roof insulation panels are arranged on a flat roof with the thickest tapered roof panels on the outside edge, and the thinnest ones around the roof drains.
Tapered Roof Design
We design every tapered roof to maximize the longevity of your home. The new surface improves drainage, prevents ponding water, and reduces energy costs! Its a great investment for commercial businesses. The tapered insulation at the roof drain keeps rainwater flowing off the roof.
Tapered foam roofing panels are affordable and easily installed. On average it cost $2.35 per square feet to have it installed so if you have a 2,400 sq of roof. That makes the total cost around $5,724.00. Make sure your local roofing contractor is aware of your needs so they can work with you and your budget, finding a tapered roof foam that fits your needs.
There are varied methods you can use to install a tapered roof. One way to install is to cut the roofing support columns to varied heights. An alternative is to add insulation underneath the membrane to add a slope.
Tapered Metal Roofs
Metal roofs can be tapered, however, tapered metal roof are very difficult to roll form and install. Workers must make so many more cuts and bends for tapered metal roof panels, that it becomes too costly for most owners. Tapered standing seam roof panels are popular due to the concealed fasteners under the metal panel system. It’s a great look. However, it’s not very practical for tapered roofs that are going to get any kind of foot traffic. If your roof has HVAC equipment on it, then you’ll be better off with a durable rolled membrane surface.
Other Tapered Roof Options
Another option when deciding on a tapered roof is building the slope into the joists, instead of above the roof surface. However, most builders think that installing tapered roof joists is a bigger job than needed.
Tapered Roof Materials
Most builders today built roofs from the same materials. You’ll see a frame of rafters or trusses, made of timber (in homes) or metal (for businesses). Over that will go a layer of plywood boards, or battens on older roofs. Then we install an under layer, followed by the roof surface (shingles, panels, etc.).
Roofing battens or battening, also called roofing lath or lath board, is installed at regular intervals, and tiles are fixed to them.
Commercial buildings may have an original flat roof, with tapered roof timber or insulation added to create a tapered roof. (We discussed that earlier.) Installing Tapered Edge Roofing creates a smooth transition from the tapered insulation to the roof level. This wooden roof tapered edge strip provides stability, keeping the tapered panels secure and preventing sagging. Designers use EPS Roof Foam insulation for tapered roofs on commercial buildings. Any tapered foam roof system will be a vast improvement over an older flat roof design.
A cricket or saddle diverts water around the high point of a chimney, or from one roof area to another. Today, firms make tapered roof insulation crickets that are pre-cut. A tapered roof cricket will protect the mortar and flashing of your chimney.
Roof Jacks cover vent/exhaust pipes from bath and kitchen fans, or from attic ventilation. You can find tapered roof jacks made for any slope roof.
BENEFITS OF TAPERED ROOFS
Reduced maintenance is the main benefit of installing tapered insulation. Positive drainage means no ponding water. With less water and debris gathering on the roof, there’s less stress to the building structure.
Better insulation provided by a tapered roof means that there’s no need for a thermal barrier. What’s more, the material gives your roof superior moisture resistance. When running a business, it’s great to save money while enjoying lower energy costs!
TAPERED ROOF WARNINGS
Despite the benefits of insulation that adds a positive slope, there are installation errors that can cost you money in the long-run. At Weather Resistors of WNY, we’re here to give you some important tips when installing your tapered insulation:
- Don’t use fiberboard as an insulation.
- Only use one insulation type. Don’t combine different types.
- Don’t cut costs by installing OSB board.
Unfortunately, some contractors, roofing companies, or consultants may suggest ways you can cut corners. However, it’s important to never compromise quality with an investment as important as a new roof.
Of course, we hope that this guide on tapered roof insulation has helped you consider your options. If you’re looking to save time and money in the long-run, a low-maintenance tapered roof can be a great solution.
We’re here to help you sort your options when searching for tapered roofing solutions. We only partner with the best tapered roof manufacturers to design a plan that’s best for your roof. These tips are from the experienced local pros at Weather Resistors of WNY Inc., who know Buffalo winters! Let us help you choose the best roofing options for your business.
Not sure where to start? We can evaluate your current roof, free of charge, and give you more information. If you need someone that knows how to tile a tapered roof, then call 716-222-ROOF today. We’re here for you. With decades of experience with commercial roofing, let Weather Resistors help you make the best choice for your budget and business needs.