Insulating inverted flat roofs
with Ravatherm XPS X
Ravatherm XPS X has been created specifically for inverted roofs – a form of flat roof
where the thermal insulation is placed above the waterproof membrane. The added
benefit of this type of roofing is that the membrane is also protected from expansion
and contraction caused by changes in the weather and temperature. The inverted roof
system is ideally suited to flat roofs of heavyweight construction, and offers a durable,
attractive roof finish for roofs where maintenance traffic is expected.
About Ravatherm XPS X
Ravatherm XPS X was originally developed to deliver
improved thermal performance for inverted flat roof
Performance summary
applications. The extrusion technology gives it a uniform • Declared thermal conductivity of 0.031 W/m2K in
structure of closed cells and a smooth skin, making it thicknesses of 80mm, 100mm, 120mm, 130mm, 140mm,
suitable for applications where the insulation material 160mm, 180mm, 200mm and 205mm
is directly exposed to a moist environment over a long • Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than five.
period. It has been formulated with the addition of infra-red
• Low thermal conductivity minimises the board thickness
‘blockers’ or particles, finely dispersed in the cell walls.
needed to achieve a specific U-value thus allowing the
These scatter and reflect heat radiation, helping to keep a
designer greater flexibility
building warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Closed cell structure for high compressive strength in
Ravatherm XPS X uses carbon dioxide as a blowing load-bearing applications
agent, which gives it an ozone depleting potential (ODP) of • Low water absorption – natural resistance to rain, snow,
zero and a Global Warming Potential of less than five. frost and water vapour
Ravatherm XPS X has exceptionally good thermal • Exceptionally stable, retaining initial insulation
conductivity, with low lambda values – the measure of a performance and physical integrity in exposed conditions
product’s insulating capacity – and it can be produced in over the very long term.
a wide variety of thicknesses, which, linked to its superior • User-friendliness – Ravatherm XPS X is easily worked
insulation performance, means it is effective for many with normal hand tools
locations and uses. • Hygiene – Ravatherm XPS X boards have low
susceptibility to rot, minimising mould or fungal growth.
Ravatherm XPS X has attained a BREEAM Green Guide
They are clean, odourless and free from irritating dust.
Rating A+ and has contributed to the construction of the
UK’s most energy-efficient buildings. • Service life – properly installed Ravatherm XPS X
boards have a service life comparable with that of the
Ravatherm XPS X’s rot resistance makes it ideal for building or structure.
insulating green and blue roofs, and it is also used in
terrace roofs, car park decks and refurbishments.
Ravatherm XPS X has high strength and rigidity, and good
dimensional stability. It can be cut easily and accurately
using hand tools, offering simple and quick installation with
minimal waste.
The product can be used in conjunction with the
Ravatherm X MK filter/water-flow-reducing layer between
the insulation and the ballast layer, forming the Ravatherm
X MK system. Adding Ravatherm X MK breathable
membrane over the insulation before placing ballast or
paving on spacers, means most of the rainwater flows
above the insulation, minimising rain water cooling of the
water proofing layer. (see appendix page 11)
A Declaration of Performance (DOP) for Ravatherm XPS X
can be found in http://dop.ravatherm.com/
Constructing an inverted roof
Figure 1.
Inverted roof with gravel Figure 2.
ballast/paving slabs Inverted green roof
• Ravatherm XPS X is designed to give the maximum • Inverted roof constructions can be categorised as
benefit in inverted roof construction. Its range of heavyweight or lightweight by reference to the form
thicknesses allows thermal performance to be matched to of building construction involved. If the structure
project requirements. Its rigid boards provide a firm base incorporates a concrete slab it will normally be cost
for the ballast layer and its shiplapped edges ensure effective to design the slab to support the load of 80-120
a good interlock between boards, which helps prevent kg/m2 imposed by a ballasted inverted roof system.
thermal bridging.
Basic principles
Roof loadings This ‘rainwater cooling effect’ requires an increase in
insulation thickness in order to meet BS EN ISO 6946.
The basic roof structure may be of concrete, metal However, this increase can be substantially reduced by
or timber: it must be strong enough to withstand the using the Ravatherm X MK system, where the heat loss
maximum predicted loads with a suitable factor of safety. due to rainwater cooling reduces the amount of insulation
required.
Inverted roofs are subject to three main loads:
• dead loads: the self-weight of all the materials used: for
calculation advice see BS 6399: Part 1
Condensation
• wind loads: the positive and negative pressures acting The inverted roof construction can greatly reduce the risk
on the roof should be calculated using either the of condensation in an existing building by keeping the roof
standard or directional method given in BS 6399: Part 2. structure and the waterproof layer above the dew point
To calculate the weight of ballast required to resist wind temperature.
uplift refer to BRE Digest 295. The stability of the ballast
Where a building is likely to have a high level of humidity,
selected against wind scour can be assessed using BRE
as in the case of swimming pools or commercial kitchens,
Digest 311
a condensation risk assessment should be undertaken by
• imposed loads: see BS 6399: Part 3. a suitably qualified professional. A method for calculating
the risk of interstitial condensation is given in BS EN ISO
Roof waterproofing 13788.
Roofs with high thermal capacity - such as concrete at
The inverted roof concept can be used with a wide least 150mm thick - do not undergo rapid cooling by
range of waterproofing materials, including mastic rainwater run-off.
asphalt, high performance built-up bitumen felt, hot melt
modified bitumen, PU based systems and single ply
polymeric membranes. Seek advice from manufacturers Fire
on compatibility of their waterproofing materials with
Ravatherm XPS X. Inverted roofs ballasted with incombustible material, such
as aggregate or paving slabs, readily achieve an external
fire rating of FAA when tested to BS 476: Part 3: 1958.
Thermal performance
They offer adequate resistance to the external spread of
Table 1 shows the thickness of insulation required fire as required by Building Regulation B4 (Regulation 19
to achieve a range of U-values. In an inverted roof in Scotland).
construction some rainwater will run off beneath the
insulation boards and in doing so may draw heat from Ravatherm XPS X is rated Euroclass E under BS EN
the deck. 13501-1 Reaction to Fire test.
U-value 0.17 0.15 0.14 0.12 0.10
Ravatherm XPS X 300 SL 180 200 220* 260* 300*
Table 1: Required Ravatherm XPS X 300 SL thickness (mm) to meet U-values W/m3K using the Ravatherm X MK system
Roof build-up: Ballast (aggregate/pavers)
Ravatherm X MK
Ravatherm XPS X 300 SL
Geotextile separation layer (if required)
Hot melt waterproofing
Reinforced concrete deck 200mm
Rainwater cooling penalty calculated to BS EN ISO 6946 Annex D4, p=3mm/day
*2 layers of insulation required
Roof falls and drainage Between insulation and ballast:
• to prevent fines from being washed under the insulation
Good drainage is vital to the long-term performance of a
where they could damage the waterproof membrane
flat roof. As with any building element, when designing
use a loose-laid filter fabric, e.g. Ravatherm X MK – see
a flat roof, it is good design practice to follow and adopt
Appendix on page 12
relevant design guidance. The most referred to guidance
is that of BS 6229:2018 – flat roofs with continuously • to reduce the depth of ballast required to counter
supported coverings which recommends an appropriate board flotation to 50 mm washed 20/40 aggregate,
fall be accommodated within the roof design, including irrespective of the insulation thickness, use a loose-laid
inverted flat roofs. non-woven geotextile e.g. Ravatherm X MK lapped 300
mm. To prevent flotation the drainage must be properly
It is also vital that the roof is adequately drained to prevent designed, installed and maintained.
ponding on the waterproofing layer. The location, size
and number of rainwater outlets should be designed in
accordance with BS EN 12056-3:2000. Roof coverings/finishings
The roof deck should also be without deflections or BALLAST
depressions in which water may pond. To perform
effectively, Ravatherm XPS X boards should not be totally In the inverted roof system, insulation laid over the
or permanently submerged in water during the product’s waterproofing layer must be suitably loaded to restrain it
lifetime on a roof. against flotation and wind uplift and to protect it against
damage and long-term degradation by UV light.
If the roof is regarded as ‘zero pitch’, then particular
attention must be given to the provision of roof drainage Both washed aggregate and dense concrete paving slabs
to prevent ponding, as outlined in the BBA Information on corner spacer supports are suitable as ballast for use
Bulletin No 4. The location, number and size of the with Ravatherm XPS X insulation.
drainage outlets need to be designed to facilitate
acceptable removal of rainwater (and water from other AGGREGATE
precipitation) to avoid the thermal insulation boards This gives a good appearance at an economical cost and
within the inverted roof construction being either totally or should be 20-40mm nominal diameter, clean, washed and
permanently immersed in water. reasonably free from fines. When boards are overlaid with
If significant areas of ponding as a result of back falls are a suitable separating layer such as Ravatherm X MK –
identified, an appropriate design strategy must be adopted lapped 300mm, then a 50mm depth of 20/40 aggregate
to ensure their removal prior to the insulation being may be sufficient to counter flotation of the insulation.
installed. Specify rainwater outlets which will accept run-off Additional ballast may, however, be needed in those areas
from both the top of the insulation and the surface of the subject to wind uplift, such as exposed perimeters and
waterproofing. corners.
Further guidance and information can be found in ETAG Aggregate should be replaced by paving slabs:
031, Guideline for European Technical Approval of Inverted • to form walkways where regular foot traffic is expected
Roof Insulation Kits Part 1.
• where the kerb at the roof edge is too shallow to retain
the aggregate
Separating layers • at perimeters, where calculations indicate aggregate will
not provide sufficient resistance to wind uplift or will be
The recommendations for the use of separating layers in affected by wind scour – see BRE Digest 311.
inverted roof construction are as follows:
PAVING
Between waterproof layer and insulation:
Pressed concrete pavers 600mm x 600mm and 50mm
• mastic asphalt: BS 8218 requires a loose-laid nonwoven thick should be raised off the insulation on corner spacers
polyester fleece 130 - 140g/m2 lapped 200 - 300mm to allow drainage and to avoid rocking.
• bituminous felts: separating layer not normally required
• single ply polymeric membranes: a loose laid nonwoven
polyester fleece is normally recommended for pPVC
membranes – consult the membrane supplier
• recommended for pPVC membranes - consult the
membrane supplier
• PU based systems - consult supplier.
Edge details
Upstands at parapets and abutments should be protected Extending the insulation in this way affords a consistent
by either Ravatherm XPS X boards suitably protected from level of protection and helps to avoid thermal bridging.
UV light set vertically and covered with an apron flashing. Apron flashings should be carried to at least 150mm above
the surface of the ballast.
Kerbs, including those at verges and rooflights, should
be high enough to contain the insulation and the
ballast. Ravatherm XPS X boards should be fitted tight
against kerbs.
Figure 3. Inverted roof – detail at upstand
Drains and gutters
Outlet gratings may be raised on spacer rings to reduce
the risk of blockage: cut a hole in the Ravatherm XPS X
boards to accommodate the outlets.
Figure 6. Ballasted inverted roof - insulation over internal gutter
Where the roof drains to an edge gutter terminate
Figure 4. Ravatherm X MK system in the inverted roof aggregate ballast with a row of paving slabs on suitable
supports and protect the edge of the Ravatherm XPS X
A paving slab on spacer pads may be used above a boards with a cover flashing.
flat grating.
Figure 5. Ballasted inverted roof – outlet protected by paving slabs
Where possible, line internal gutters with Ravatherm XPS
Figure 7. Ballasted inverted roof – detail at eaves
X to prevent thermal bridging - the gutter may be spanned
by paving slabs on spacer pads.
Installation methods/sequence
1. Inspect the roof to ensure it is clean. Plan the 6. Lay Ravatherm X MK at right angles to the
installation sequence and the layout of Ravatherm slope starting at bottom of slope and overlapping
XPS X boards. sequentially with 300mm laps.
2. Lay the separating layer (if required) over the
waterproof layer; lap all edges by 200-300mm,
at perimeters and penetrations turn up above the
installed thickness of the insulation.
3. Lay Ravatherm XPS X insulation boards in brick bond
pattern with shiplap edges pushed together firmly.
Figure 11.
At upstands and penetrations turn up the filter layer so
it finishes above the surface of the ballast.
Figure 8. At drainage outlets neatly cut and turn down the filter
4. Fit Ravatherm XPS X boards neatly around layer to discharge water at the outlet positions.
penetrations. Cut boards with a sharp knife or fine-
7. Lay paving slabs on supports around roof perimeters
toothed saw.
and penetrations as required.
8. Lay the ballast layer progressively. Work on an
advancing front away from the point of access so
all ballast material is carried across a protected
waterproof layer.
Figure 9.
5. Insulate upstands with Ravatherm XPS X boards
suitably protected from UV light set vertically and
covered with an apron flashing.
Figure 12.
Figure 10.
Key points Further advice:
• Do not proceed if roof deck is unsuitable to receive • do not lay insulation until roof is clear of other substrates
insulation.
• clean off all dirt and debris from base
• careful setting-out before installation begins will minimise • lay separation layer as required
cutting and wastage
• set out to minimise cutting and avoid small cut pieces at
• take care not to over-stress any area of the roof while perimeters and penetrations
distributing the ballast
• loose lay boards, tightly butted and to brick pattern,
• use scaffold boards when barrowing materials over cut cleanly to fit closely around projections, upstands,
Ravatherm XPS X boards. rainwater outlets, etc
• on completion of laying ensure boards are in good
Ravatherm XPS X 300 SL condition, with no springing, flexing or rocking
• secure boards against wind uplift as soon as practicable
• Thicknesses: 50, 80, 100, 120, 130, 140, 160, 180, 200, • lay Ravatherm X MK.
205 mm
• Board size: 1250 x 600mm
• Edge profile: shiplap •
• Design loading: 130kN/m2
• Reaction to fire: BS EN 13164 Euroclass E
• Working temperature range: -50°C to +75°C.
Disclaimer
Ravatherm XPS X contains a flame retardant additive For technical enquiries email [email protected]
to inhibit accidental ignition from a small fire source.
Ravatherm XPS X is however, combustible and if exposed Ravago Building Solutions
to an intensive fire may burn rapidly. Estuary Road
King’s Lynn
During shipment, storage, installation and use Ravatherm PE30 2HJ
XPS X should not be exposed to flames or other ignition
sources. RavagoBuildingSolutionsUK
Fire classification is based on small scale tests, which may
not reflect the reaction of the products in its end use state @RInsulationUK
under actual fire conditions.
Ravatherm XPS X should, when installed, be adequately Note: The information and data contained in this brochure
protected from direct exposure to fire. do not represent exact sales specifications. The features
Recommendations about the methods, use of materials of the products mentioned may vary. The information
and construction details are given as a service to contained in this document has been provided in good
designers and contractors. These are based on the faith, however Ravago excludes as far as possible any
experience of Ravago with the use of Ravatherm XPS X. liability relating to it and does not give any guarantee or
assurance of product performance. It is the purchaser’s
Any drawings are meant only to illustrate various possible responsibility to determine whether these Ravago products
applications and should not be taken as a basis for design. are suitable for the application desired and to ensure that
the site of work and method of application conform with
Since Ravago Building Solutions is a materials supplier current legislation. No licence is hereby granted for the use
and exercises no control over the installation of Ravatherm of patents or other industrial or intellectual property rights.
XPS X, no responsibility is accepted for such drawings and If Ravago products are purchased, we advise following the
recommendations. most up-to-date suggestions and recommendations.
In particular, no responsibility is accepted by Ravago for
the systems in which Ravatherm XPS X is used or the
method of application by which they are installed. The legal
obligations of Ravago in respect of any sale of Ravatherm
XPS X shall be determined solely by the terms of the
respective sales contract.
Appendix
The Ravatherm X MK system Properties and characteristics
Ravatherm X MK is a spun-bonded polyethylene geotextile • water vapour permeable
membrane that is waterproof, but at the same time water • water resistant
vapour permeable. Used in conjunction with Ravatherm
• tear resistant
XPS X, it minimises heat loss and can therefore reduce the
volume of insulation required. • UV stable - can be left exposed outdoors for up to four
months
Ravatherm X MK prevents rainwater from reaching the • fire - melts and shrinks away from a heat source
waterproofing layer, thereby reducing the rainwater cooling (unclassifiable as regards Building Regulations)
effect caused by rainwater flowing between the insulation
• temperature - retains flexibility and toughness down to
and waterproofing membrane.
-73°C, melting point is 135°C
• excellent rot resistance making it ideal for insulating
Installation green roofs.
Ravatherm X MK should be loose-laid over the insulation,
at right angles to the slope with 300mm laps running down
the slope. This will allow the ballast, 20/40 aggregate,
to counter board flotation to be reduced to 50mm. At
upstands and penetrations Ravatherm X MK should be
turned up to finish above the surface of the ballast.
RAVAGO BUILDING SOLUTIONS
Estuary Road
King’s Lynn
PE30 2HJ
www.ravagobuildingsolutions.co.uk
XPSXInsulatinginvertedflatroofs102019
