Stimulus

PROTECTING MORE THAN THE MEMBRANE

little girl
THE 40-YEAR ROOF

It's not just possible – it's a reality. A properly installed and maintained protected membrane roof (PMR) with durable, reusable STYROFOAM™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation can last 40 years or more – that's at least twice the expected life of a typical conventional roof. More...
Why use STYROFOAMâ„¢ Brand XPS Foam Insulation for PMR?

In a protected membrane roof assembly, the insulation is placed on top of the membrane, improving the performance and longevity of the roof system. And STYROFOAMâ„¢ Brand XPS Foam Insulation is perfect for PMR because it offers:

  • Proven long-term performance  – membranes in PMR assemblies incorporating STYROFOAMâ„¢ Brand XPS Foam Insulation are still in exceptional condition 40 years after they were first installed!
  • Closed-cell structure  – moisture is inhibited from penetrating the insulation and reducing its thermal efficiency
  • Thermal efficiency  – reducing energy use and HVAC loads, lowering the building's carbon footprint
  • Superior temperature control  – helps maintain membrane at a constant temperature, reducing the harmful effects of freeze-thaw cycling and excessive heat, and extending membrane life
  • Durability and reusability  – high compressive strength stands up to heavy loads; the insulation can be reused in many cases, diverting material from landfills
  • Versatility – a variety of compressive strengths and board styles are available to meet different roof specifications

Advantages of PMR

  • Extended membrane life due to inverted assembly
  • Allows for year-round construction since the roof is waterproofed first and insulated second
  • Ease of ballast/insulation removal and re-installation because components are loose-laid
  • Compatibility with range of membrane types and ballast options

A PMR assembly with STYROFOAM™ Brand XPS Foam Insulation (minimum 40 psi) is also the ideal foundation for sustainable green roof designs. Download Green Roof PMR – A Design Primer (2MB PDF) to learn more.

Still trying to decide between a PMR and a conventional roof? You may find the decision is easier than you thought – especially after learning more about the sustainability benefits of PMR.
Third-Party Cost Analysis report, now available!

Third-Party Cost Analysis report, now available!
For complete details and to request a presentation of the full report, click here.

 

Listen to our podcast for THERMAX Wall System

Listen to our podcast, "Planning a vegetative roof? Focus on the fundamentals." now playing on facilities.net – the online edition of Building Operating Management magazine.

Additional Information

Protected Membrane Roof: First To Last (1.4MB PDF)

Protected Membrane Roof Installation Guidelines (U.S.) (553KB PDF)

Protected Membrane Roof Installation Guidelines (Canada) (774KB PDF)