Implementing green buildings starting from the roof involves specialized roof insulation systems using extruded polystyrene boards, which come in various types with distinct characteristics as follows:
I. Traditional Inverted Roof Insulation System (Single-Ply Membrane Loose-Lay Roofing System, suitable for concrete or steel structures)
Advantages and Considerations:
1. Easy installation, with vapor barrier, insulation layer, and waterproofing layer all laid loosely.
2. Suitable for concrete and light steel roof structures; concrete substrates may omit the vapor barrier.
3. Low overall cost.
4. Can utilize wider EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) waterproofing membranes, reducing on-site steps, leakage risks, and auxiliary material usage.
5. No separation layer required between EPDM (EFDM) and this extruded polystyrene board.
II. Inverted Roof Insulation System (Inverted Accessible Roof Insulation System)
Advantages and Considerations:
1. Insulation layer positioned above the waterproofing layer eliminates the need for a vapor barrier, delivering superior thermal performance.
2. Suitable for multifunctional roofs on reinforced concrete structures (e.g., parking garages, basement deck plazas, accessible roofs, green roofs).
3. Wide selection of waterproofing materials, accommodating both exposed and non-exposed options (e.g., layered asphalt roofing, modified bitumen waterproofing membranes).
4. XPS boards shield the waterproofing layer from environmental damage like UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, extending its service life.
5. Low water absorption and freeze-thaw resistance ensure long-term, reliable insulation performance unaffected by moisture uptake.
6. High compressive strength provides a rigid platform for subsequent construction, supporting multi-functional roof systems and ensuring wind resistance.
III. Sloped Roof Insulation Systems
Advantages and Considerations:
1. Suitable for roofs with slopes ≤45°.
2. Protects the waterproofing layer from environmental factors like UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, extending its lifespan.
3. Four-sided overlapping seams ensure complete coverage and minimize thermal bridging at joints.
4. High compressive strength provides a solid foundation for subsequent construction.
5. Low water absorption and freeze-thaw resistance ensure long-lasting, reliable thermal performance.
6. Excellent dimensional stability with minimal shrinkage deformation and no warping.
7. Superior thermal insulation prevents winter condensation on interior roof surfaces.
IV. Green Roof Planting Systems
1. Advantages and Considerations:
As a thermal insulation and planting system enhancing building environments, this approach combines insulation modules with vegetation to increase green coverage, conserve land, beautify surroundings, and boost building energy efficiency. It also regulates ambient temperature and humidity, mitigates urban heat island effects, filters airborne particulates, reduces noise pollution, and increases oxygen levels.
2. Insulation modules offer lightweight construction, easy assembly, and superior waterproofing. They enhance system thermal performance, protect plants, reduce wet work, and increase planting density. The system features fewer construction steps and simplified installation, shortening project timelines, lowering labor intensity, and facilitating future maintenance and renovation.
