With the growing awareness of Passive House principles, we can now illustrate the wider benefits of warm roof design.

We recently conducted a simple experiment comparing the temperature of different coloured membranes in the Auckland sun. 

Recently, flat roof systems and product technology have grown more complex, with options such as reinforced modified bitumen and TPO membranes providing different performance benefits. 

Planning ahead and installing an accessible flat roof can keep options open for creating additional living spaces in years to come. 

Designing ventilated cold roofs or airtight warm roofs without careful attention to risks of condensation can compromise the whole building fabric and integrity. 

It's important to consider the wide range of components that are specifically designed to support waterproofing membrane systems and how they create a full solution.

Dampness due to condensation can lead to fungal growth which harms occupants, causes decay in structural timbers and accelerates corrosion of metal components and fixings. 

The best way to prevent roof leaks in the wetter seasons is to be proactive with roof maintenance in the months before the winter period.

One of the more significant developments in low slope commercial roofing in the New Zealand market in recent years has been the rise of ‘cool roofs’. Relatively new in our country, the choice to adopt lighter coloured roofing membranes is becoming more popular.

It is important to consider NZ's unique environment and high UV levels when specifying modern single ply thermoplastic membranes such as PVC and TPO.