When it comes to achieving optimal energy performance, using proper insulation is a vital part of a building’s envelope, helping create a strong layer of protection against exterior elements. Tapered roof insulation is one popular type of insulation that provides a high level of drainage and extends the life of the entire roof membrane.
Tapered roof insulation systems are designed for areas of the roof deck that don’t have an adequate slope to eliminate ponding of water on the membrane. These systems are engineered to drain quickly, reducing or eliminating the negative effects that standing water can have on roof membranes.
More than 30 years ago, Atlas developed ThermalStar® Tapered Roof Insulation that drains and insulates dead-level roof decks. Manufactured from lightweight molded expanded polystyrene (EPS), this roof insulation is a value-engineered system that has been proven ideal for new and re-roof applications.
There are four main benefits to choosing ThermalStar Tapered Insulation. Let’s review each one and learn more about why this is the ideal roof insulation to protect your building.
1. Fully Customizable Roof Insulation
Example of Tapered Cross-Sections
Whether you need a one-layer, integral system or a modular approach, ThermalStar Tapered Insulation is fully customizable to meet all design and specification needs. Pre-engineered factory cut cricket and saddle systems are also available to provide effective and economical drainage options for structurally sloped roof decks.
Atlas has a dedicated tapering department that knows how to work within the parameters of any design request, so architects can have optimum design flexibility and builders can save more on roofer/applicator time and labor.
2. Saves Time, Material and Labor
While its customization capabilities help reduce construction time, the savings don’t stop there. The ThermalStar Tapered Insulation can be made in single pieces instead of being built up layer by layer like other products. A one-piece installation saves time, material and labor.
For example: If you have a 100 sq. ft. roof with a ThermalStar taper system, you only need 100 applied squares. When using other products, up to 500 squares could be required due to the multiple layers, plus the accompanying adhesives or fasteners. When you combine the additional labor and material, you are doing four times the work for four times the price.
Another key differentiator of the ThermalStar tapered system is that it can also be pre-manufactured with hips and valleys, so they don’t have to be created on-site, once again saving labor and material waste.
3. Long-Term R-Value Helps Protect Structures for Years
The ability to prevent the transfer of heat (R-value) is one of the biggest benefits of any insulation product. The larger the R-value, the more protection your building has against high utility bills.
ThermalStar Tapered Insulation provides an unmatched level of quality with a stable long-term R-value that is designed to last a lifetime in most building structures. Its high R-value is recognized for use in direct-to-deck applications, works to drain and insulate dead-level roof decks, and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty for physical and thermal performance.
4. Environmentally Friendly and Code Compliant
Because it is 100% recyclable, all excess ThermalStar materials can be recycled instead of being discarded, resulting in less landfill waste. ThermalStar is also known for having zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential (GWP). Extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) has a much higher global warming potential making ThermalStar insulation the preferred choice.
Atlas also has a strong commitment to LEED, a leading program for green buildings and communities. LEED establishes requirements for design components that impact sustainable design. Credits or points are earned for meeting specific milestones in various categories.
LEED Credits Available With ThermalStar Tapered Insulation:
- EA Credit:
Minimum Energy Performance (required)
Optimize Energy Performance (1 – 20 points)
- MR Credit:
Material Ingredients (1-2 points)
Environmental Product Declarations (1-2 points)
It’s a known fact among architects, designers and builders that long-term membrane performance and adequate roof drainage go hand-in-hand. Waterproofing membranes won’t receive a warranty guarantee without positive drainage performance and building codes help mandate positive roof drainage.
ThermalStar Tapered Insulation is manufactured using an industry-leading quality control program that is monitored by UL and ICC-ES. It also complies with the following important model building codes and classification listings (when professionally installed):
ASTM C578
Physical Properties – UL QORW.R16529
Surface Burning – UL BRYX.R16529
CAN/ULC-S102.2, S701 – ULC BOZCC.R16529
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) – ICC-ES ESR-1962, UL ER16529-01
International Residential Code (IRC) – ICC-ES ESR-1962, UL ER16529-01
International Building Code (IBC) – ICC-ES ESR-1962, UL ER16529-01
NFPA 285 Approved Assemblies - UL ER16529-01
Versatile, High-Performance Tapered Insulation
ThermalStar Tapered Insulation is an environmentally sound, high-quality roofing insulation option with a stable long-term R-value that will last the lifetime of your structure.
ThermalStar products are also available for several other types of new roofs as well as re-roofing needs, including:
Flute Fill
Insulation Board (Flat Sheet Stock)
Laminated Roof Insulation (LRI)
Tapered Insulation
Click here to learn more about Atlas ThermalStar Tapered Insulation and how it can help your next project. Or click here to talk to an Atlas expert who can help meet all of your design and specification needs.