With the UK government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and meeting interim targets for 2030, 2035, and onwards to 2050, there is a strong incentive to design modern constructions and flat roofs that are future-proof and made with decarbonisation in mind.
Insulation, circularity, energy generation, and resilience are major factors when considering your next roof.
Insulation
Reducing heat loss is one of the key pillars of any decarbonisation design process. This does not only mean specifying thicker insulation but also robust detailing to prevent cold bridging.
Design for circularity
Ensuring the lifecycle of a roof system is effectively circular would mean that it should be designed to be durable, and easy to maintain, repair, and deconstruct. Methods of installation and the steps towards keeping any flat roof watertight and secure are as important as the net zero properties of the products themselves.
Energy generation
A rooftop solar PV array will provide renewable energy to reduce the operational carbon debt of your building, and significantly reduce running costs. A green roof can also create a biosolar system that encompasses biodiversity and water management on top of renewable energy generation.
Resilient design
Withstanding extreme weather conditions and reducing the impact of climate change have become a critical element in designing your flat roof. Ensuring that upstands are of the correct height to withstand more intensive rainfall could be one way to increase flat roof resilience. Another solution would be to create a green roof to extend the life of roof membranes, reduce flash flooding, and keep our urban areas cooler.
For more information, or to discuss your flat roof projects, please call 01473 257671 or visit bauder.co.uk.
