Can I get a U-value calculated for my flat roofing project?
Absolutely! Please contact our freephone technical helpline on 01543 678777.
Can tapered insulation be used on an existing flat roof?
Yes. Tapered insulation can be designed for both new and existing roofs.
For refurbishment projects, the existing roof construction should be assessed before a tapered insulation scheme is designed. The survey and design should consider the existing roof dimensions, drainage points, falls, obstructions, roof condition and the proposed new roof build-up.
Does thicker insulation always provide better thermal performance?
Increasing insulation thickness will generally increase the thermal resistance of the insulation layer, but thickness alone does not determine the thermal performance of a complete roof.
The thermal conductivity of the insulation, the other components within the roof build-up and the construction details all contribute to the final U-value.
Different insulation materials can therefore achieve similar thermal performance at different thicknesses.
This is particularly relevant where roof build-up height is restricted, because high-performance insulation can help achieve a required thermal target without simply increasing the thickness of conventional insulation.
How is a tapered insulation scheme designed?
A tapered insulation scheme is designed around the geometry and drainage requirements of the individual roof.
The design process should consider factors such as:
- Roof dimensions and geometry
- Drainage outlets and gutters
- Existing falls and backfalls
- Rooflights and other obstructions
- Required insulation performance
- The structural deck
- Waterproofing system
- Required roof build-up
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Upstands and perimeter details
Gradient provides a design service that produces a pre-designed, dimensionally accurate tapered insulation solution with detailed layout drawings.
How is polyurethane ecological?
We do everything we can to reduce CO emissions2, but the core of our insulation products is also truly made of environmentally friendly materials.
Eco-friendly synthetic materials may seem strange to you, but with PU insulation, you will save 400 times more energy than they require for their production in 75 years. In short, a good thing for nature.
Sustainable development takes on its full meaning with Recticel Insulation polyurethane insulation:
not only does polyurethane insulation have a very high thermal performance that does not deteriorate over time, but Recticel Insulation polyurethane insulation also significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the insulation.
The proof by four:
1 - The least energy-intensive of all factory-made insulation is polyurethane insulation.
2 – Thinner and more efficient: With the same thermal performance, Recticel Insulation panels are up to 2 times thinner and 5 times lighter.
This reduces the quantities produced and so does the energy required.®
3 – Less bulky for better efficiency: This means fewer trucks to transport them.
4 – Less heavy: CO emissions2 are considerably reduced.
The ecological impact is controlled at all levels and the environment is better preserved.
We need to consume less energy:
Fossil resources such as oil are practically exhausted.
That is why we are advocating for the rational use of this oil.
In concrete terms: we need to burn less oil and use it to produce PU, the high-performance material of which our insulation materials are made.
Today, 96% of oil is used in the form of fuels.
The remaining 4% is processed into synthetic materials, of which only 0.08% is PU.
This is very unfortunate when you know that PU insulation saves 400 times more energy than it requires for its production.
The RECTICEL group acts at the international level, in all its businesses, for the protection of the environment.
What does “circularity” mean for Gradient’s products and processes?
Circularity means designing products and systems that minimize waste and keep materials in use for as long as possible. At Gradient, this includes responsible sourcing, efficient manufacturing, waste reduction, and developing pathways for recycling or repurposing materials at the end of their life cycle, all aligned with Recticel’s circular economy ambitions.
What does PEFC certification mean for Gradient and the Recticel Group?
PEFC certification ensures that the wood‑based materials we use come from sustainably managed forests. For Gradient, this means our sourcing practices align with strict environmental, social, and ethical standards reinforcing the Recticel Group’s commitment to responsible supply chains and traceable, sustainable raw materials.
What if I cannot provide all of the information required for thermal calculations of a specific project?
It is possible for us to make certain assumptions when performing a calculation, but this can reduce the accuracy of the final result. Assumptions are routinely made about the types of fixings to be used, but we will always try to inform you if a general figure has been used where more accurate data could affect the calculation result.
What is a warm flat roof construction?
A warm flat roof is a roof construction where the insulation is positioned above the structural roof deck, keeping the deck and structure on the warm side of the insulation.
A typical warm roof build-up may include the structural deck, vapour control layer, insulation and waterproofing system. The exact arrangement depends on the roof construction and waterproofing system being used. Warm roof construction can provide continuous insulation across the roof, helping to reduce heat loss and improve the thermal performance of the building. The complete roof build-up should be designed to meet the required thermal, moisture, structural and fire performance criteria.
What is tapered insulation?
Tapered insulation is insulation manufactured or designed with varying thicknesses to create a fall across a flat or low-slope roof.
Rather than using insulation of a constant thickness, a tapered scheme uses different insulation thicknesses to form designed falls that direct rainwater towards outlets, gutters or other drainage points.
Gradient provides bespoke tapered insulation solutions designed around the individual roof geometry, including new and existing roofs.