Why Flat Roof Falls Matter: Unilin's XtraFall & Flat PIR

Despite the name, flat roofs are rarely completely flat. Effective drainage is an important consideration in the design of any flat roof, as inadequate falls can contribute to water pooling, increased maintenance requirements and, over time, potential deterioration of the roofing system. This is where a well-designed, tapered insulation system can play an important role.

By incorporating falls into the insulation build-up, designers can help direct rainwater towards outlets while also achieving the thermal performance required from the roof. For projects where drainage and thermal efficiency need to be considered together, a tapered warm roof system provides a practical approach.

Achieving a Warm Roof with Unilin Insulation

Unilin Insulation's range of PIR flat and tapered insulation boards provides technically advanced solutions for flat roof applications.

Flat roof products are supported by verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing relevant environmental product information for project teams considering embodied impacts alongside thermal performance.

Effective drainage is only one consideration when designing a flat roof. The insulation build-up must also meet the required thermal performance and comply with relevant project requirements.

Whether a project requires flat PIR insulation boards or a tapered insulation system, Unilin Insulation offers solutions designed for warm roof applications.

Existing Falls

Flat insulation boards can provide an efficient thermal solution where the roof design already incorporates suitable falls. Flat PIR insulation is ideal for these existing falls and can provide an efficient thermal solution.

For more information, download the PIR Flat Roof Guide

Creating Falls for Effective Drainage

Where falls need to be created, a tapered insulation system such as XtraFall can combine thermal insulation with a designed drainage strategy. The system is designed around the geometry of the roof and the position of outlets, helping to direct surface water towards the intended drainage points.

The result is a roof build-up designed to support both thermal performance and effective water management, supporting the long-term performance of the roof and waterproofing system.

For more information, download the XtraFall Guide.

A Bespoke Approach to Every Roof

No two flat roofs are the same. Roof dimensions, outlet locations, penetrations and drainage requirements can all influence the insulation layout.

XtraFall is therefore designed to suit the individual roof geometry and drainage strategy. Rather than relying on a standard layout, the tapered scheme is developed around the requirements of the project. This provides designers and contractors with a more precise approach to achieving the required falls while integrating them into the overall thermal insulation build-up.

Creating falls on site can involve additional materials, labour and installation stages. So, a tapered insulation system can simplify this process by providing pre-designed components manufactured to the project's requirements.

By incorporating the required falls into the insulation system, XtraFall can help reduce the amount of cutting and forming required on site compared with alternative methods of creating roof falls.

The approach allows drainage and thermal performance to be considered together at the design stage, rather than treating them as separate elements of the roof build-up. This can support a more efficient installation while providing a consistent, quality-assured insulation solution.

Technical Support from Specification Through to Completion

Getting the insulation specification right is an important part of achieving the intended performance of a flat roof. Unilin Insulation's Technical Team can support projects from the initial design and specification stage through to construction and completion. This includes advice on insulation specifications, roof build-ups and detailing, alongside practical support such as CPDs, toolbox talks and on-site technical assistance.

With more than 40 years of industry experience, the team works with designers, contractors and other construction professionals to help address the technical considerations associated with insulation and roof design.

Get in touch with Unilin Insulation’s Technical Team for support today.

Explore Unilin Insulation's Flat Roof Solutions

Whether you are specifying a flat roof insulation solution or developing a tapered scheme, the range provides options to suit the requirements of the project.

To learn more about insulating your roof, visit our Roofbase Insulation Page or check out our blog: Unilin PIR Roof Insulation Boards: Superior Solutions for Modern Roofing.

Or for more information or to secure your order, contact your local Roofbase branch today.