Save Money & Time with a Tapered EPS Hybrid Insulation System
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—two is often better than one. In a blog post shared last fall, we presented the advantages of hybrid roofing insulation: a two-in-one system that strategically blends expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid foam insulation with polyisocyanurate (polyiso) rigid foam insulation to deliver an economical, reliable roofing solution.
Today, roofers are increasingly turning to tapered EPS within a hybrid system to comply with energy and building codes—many existing buildings that are being retrofitted require the slope to be altered to meet code—as well as experience significant savings. Topped with a polyiso rigid foam for additional insulating power, tapered EPS hybrid systems address costly drainage concerns commonly associated with low-sloped and flat roof buildings, saving valuable money and time, while ensuring compliance with code-required R-values. Continue reading to further explore the breadth of advantages tapered EPS affords building professionals.
Tapered EPS hybrid roofing provides alternative answer to achieve positive drainage
While roofing codes typically require a positive drainage slope that allows water to run off, creating these structures can be expensive and labor intensive. Tapered EPS is a practical alternative. Inexpensively increasing slope for additional drainage, tapered EPS within a hybrid insulation system is expertly suited for both new construction and re-roofing projects. Tapered EPS provides multiple advantages in these applications:
- Tapered options are cut from EPS and customizable to meet a project’s exact dimensional requirements, including density. EPS also offers custom crickets, saddles and sumps to assure positive drainage.
- Composed of 98% air, tapered EPS is ultra-lightweight for added ease of installation.
- Tapered EPS offers a high R-value over the long-term.
Tapered solutions further support a hybrid system with dimensional stability, excellent compressive strength and water-resistant properties.
Tapered EPS hybrid roofing systems save money and time
The tapered EPS insulation component of a hybrid roofing solution not only lends high-performance capabilities, but it also addresses builders’ most daunting problems — project material and labor costs. Tapered EPS, an integral component of an efficient hybrid roofing system, cleverly lends roofers the ability to stay on budget by decreasing upfront material costs and minimizing the hours spent on installation.
Because tapered EPS is available in large blocks up to 40 inches thick and can be cut to satisfy virtually any slope, it is possible to bring forth high R-values without the added material or labor cost of building up multiple insulation layers on site. Additionally, the tapered EPS approach to building up a slope can significantly reduce the number of person-hours on site. In total, factory-cut, custom-built blocks call for less material handling, don’t need to be cut prior to installation and can be installed quickly due to their lightweight nature—all of which aid in accelerating roofing jobs’ timelines.
Final thoughts
Tapered EPS hybrid roofing insulation solutions not only serve as a more affordable alternative to traditional drainage practices, but they also drastically accelerate the installation process, contributing to professionals’ ability to stay in the black.
Insulfoam has been used in countless real-world roofing applications that reap the benefits of hybrid insulation systems, which utilize customizable tapered EPS. Contact our team to see how EPS and polyiso can be the key to your next roofing project.
