The typical roofing used in the Alps and Northern Europe is composed of a frame of diagonal load-bearing beams placed between the ridge and eaves at a distance of 60-80 cm and resting on the longitudinal beams placed at the base, on the ridge, and, if needed, also in an intermediate position. The slopes' gradient ranges between 25° and 45°. If the attic is not inhabited and the roof is cold, the finishing layer can be laid directly on the strips. However, attics arebeing increasingly used as living spaces so more complex roof designs with better thermal performance are required. X-FOAM® WR is used in the thermal insulation of new and renovated sloped roofs built with wood beams. It is a prefabricated sandwich panel with a core of X-FOAM®extruded polystyrene coated on both faces with OSB 3 panels designed for use in humid environments. The large-sized panels are an all-in-one solution for thermal insulation, at-sight finishing of the intrados and laying of the roof's finishing layer. This product saves time in laying and installation. Laying is very fast and safe also on complex roofs, because the panels can be easily assembled and shaped to fit windows, dormers or other structures. The panels are laid directly on the frame of beams because they are load-bearing beams: the long side is to be laid parallel to the eaves, going from the eaves to ridge;a staggered pattern is recommended when laying to ensure adequate roof sturdiness. Helical nails at least 50 mm longer than the panel's thickness are to be used for mechanical fastening. They are to be inserted at about 20 mm from the panel's edge and at a distance of 15 cm from one another; on the inner rows, a distance of 30 cm is enough. In order to fasten the strips, nails of the adequate diameter are to be used. If the panels along the eaves line are fit together using male/female joints, we recommend that you use standard 4-cm-wide strips with a thickness equal to that of the insulation to close the edge. The same thing can be done also at the top. The joints between the panels are to be duly sealed with silicone or polyurethane adhesives or using waterproof adhesive tapes. We also recommend laying breathable membranes on the roof boarding made of X-FOAM® WR panels. For optimal roof ventilation, apply strips for laying the convex or flat tiles to allow for air circulation from the eaves to the roof's ridge, so that the attic is kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while saving energy. The layer of strips is to be completed with a bird screen system in the eaves and with a ridge vent system.
Warnings:
Protect the panels against bad weather and sunlight at the construction site and stack them in a covered and dry place. Do not treat the surfaces with solvent-based productsor apply waterproofing membranes, vapor barriers or other products that may stop the vapor from moving freely on the panels. In order to stop any water from seeping through accidentally broken tiles, use butyl, polyurethane or acrylic sealants in the joints along the panels' perimeter.
Advantages of X-FOAM® WR
- Excellent heat insulation.
- Extremely resistant to compression.
- Fast laying.
- Stable and durable.
- Resistant to rot and waterproof.
- Does not require special tools for handling.
