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Cold Roof System

Cold roof systems 

Cold roof systems place the insulation layer within the roof structure. A ventilated void is created between the insulation and the roof deck. A waterproof membrane is then installed directly to the structural decking. The application of cold roof systems is no longer recommended for flat roofs as it is challenging to achieve the required level of ventilation whilst making cold roofs sufficiently airtight and thermally efficient.

An additional challenge of cold roof construction is in the prevention of moisture vapour transmitting from the building outwards and causing interstitial and surface condensations. An air vapour control layer (AVCL) is usually installed below the insulation layer, however, an effective AVCL can be difficult to implement and maintain. A minimum void of 50mm is required between the deck and insulation, with full cross-ventilation, to achieve sufficient ventilation levels. Both the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) Design Guide and the BS 6229:2018, Code of Practice Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible coverings, state that this type of roof is not now recommended. This is because of the difficulty of forming and maintaining an effective AVCL below the insulation and of providing sufficient cross ventilation above the insulation”

Cold roof systems are still used where the height of a warm roof system can’t be accommodated on the existing roof deck. In most developments, warm and inverted roofs are specified as these are more effective at heat loss prevention and therefore can help achieve higher energy efficiency and better performing buildings.  In many cases these types of roofs are relatively easier and more cost effective to install.

What are the benefits of cold roof systems?

  • Helps to utilise otherwise unused space
  • Can help insulate small roofs that can’t accommodate warm roof systems
  • Doesn’t affect the profile of the building

Considerations for installation of cold roof systems

  • Adequate cross ventilation is difficult to achieve
  • Thermal bridging issues
  • Cross ventilation over a 5m span is not recommended
  • Difficult to install and maintain an effective AVCL below the insulation

IKO products are manufactured in the UK from responsibly, and where possible, locally sourced materials in order to reduce our carbon footprint and help with the sustainability of your project. The majority of our roofing systems are also BBA certified.

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Why Choose IKO?
  • Family Owned

  • All systems available

  • National Technical Support

  • UK Manufacturing

IKO Armourplan Cold Roof Adhered System

IKO Armourplan Cold Roof Adhered System

    Key Benefits to your project
    • Polymeric Single Ply PVC
      Zero Flame installation

    • Excellent mechanical properties and product performance

    • Excellent UV resistance and durability

    IKO Armourplan Cold Roof Mechanically Fixed System

    IKO Armourplan Cold Roof Mechanically Fixed System

      Key Benefits to your project
      • Polymeric Single Ply PVC
        Zero Flame installation

      • Excellent mechanical properties and product performance

      • Excellent UV resistance and durability

      IKO Carrara Hybrid System

      IKO Carrara Hybrid System

        Key Benefits to your project
        • Air Care Technology – ingenious mineral finish helps purify harmful gases in the atmosphere

        • Life expectancy in excess of 30 years

        • Patented IKO “Turbo Profile” for a faster and more secure installation

        IKO Easyseal Pro Cap Sheet Cold Roof System

        IKO Easyseal Pro Cap Sheet Cold Roof System

          Key Benefits to your project
          • BBA Approved

          • Suitable for small and large projects

          • Simple to Install – Instructions Included

          IKO ECUV Cold Roof System

          IKO ECUV Cold Roof System

            Key Benefits to your project
            IKO Fast Curing Cold Roof System

            IKO Fast Curing Cold Roof System

              Key Benefits to your project
              • Extremely Durable

              • Fast Curing Times

              • Cold Applied Application

              IKO Hybritech Inverted Roofing System

              IKO Hybritech Inverted Roofing System

                Key Benefits to your project
                • Cold Applied Liquid

                • One-component: simple and rapid installation

                • Solvent-free and odourless

                IKO Metatech Cold Roofing System

                IKO Metatech Cold Roofing System

                  Key Benefits to your project
                  • Two-component: extremely fast installation and drying

                  • Sustainable PMMA technology

                  • Installation possible under poor weather conditions

                  IKO Permaphalt System

                  IKO Permaphalt System

                    Key Benefits to your project
                    • Polymer modified mastic asphalt roofing available to IKO approved installers only

                    • Improved flexibility, fatigue resistance and long-term performance

                    • BBA approved (Certificate No. 89/2299)

                    IKO Permatec Anti-Root System

                    IKO Permatec Anti-Root System

                      Key Benefits to your project
                      • Hot Melt

                      • BBA Approved (Cert No.03/4009)

                      • Less waste to control and dispose of – Zero waste packaging

                      IKO Permatec Podium System

                      IKO Permatec Podium System

                        Key Benefits to your project
                        • BBA Approved (Cert No.03/4009)

                        • Environmentally friendly – made with recycled content

                        • Less waste to control and dispose of – Zero waste packaging

                        IKO Polimar ECUV Liquid Waterproofing System

                        IKO Polimar ECUV Liquid Waterproofing System

                          Key Benefits to your project
                          • Excellent durability and puncture resistance

                          • UV stable top coat for all weather conditions

                          • Highly flexible in its design application

                          IKO Polimar FCS (Fast Curing System) Waterproofing

                          IKO Polimar FCS (Fast Curing System) Waterproofing

                            Key Benefits to your project
                            • Cold Liquid
                              Completely Seamless Waterproofing with Vapour Resistivity. Fast Curing Liquid Roofing Waterproofing…

                            • Seamless and secure waterproofing of the most complex upstands with fleece reinforcement

                            • Highly flexible and crack-bridging even at extreme sub-zero temperatures

                            IKO Protorch Cap Sheet Cold Roof System – Merchant & Reseller Usage Only

                            IKO Protorch Cap Sheet Cold Roof System – Merchant & Reseller Usage Only

                              Key Benefits to your project
                              • Excellent Puncture Resistance Against Trafficking During Works

                              • High Tensile Strength, Elongation and Tear Resistance

                              • Rapid Flow SBS Modified Bitumen Allows Faster Torching

                              IKO PU Adhered Cold Roof System

                              IKO PU Adhered Cold Roof System

                                Key Benefits to your project
                                • Suitable for Refurbishment and New Build

                                • Completely Cold Applied

                                • Quick and Easy Installlation

                                IKO Roofgarden Hybrid System

                                IKO Roofgarden Hybrid System

                                  Key Benefits to your project
                                  • Bituminous Felts
                                    Achieves FLL 4-Year Root Penetration Test

                                  • Purpose made roof garden waterproofing cap sheet

                                  • Specifically formulated ‘Anti-Root’ coating

                                  IKO Roofgarden System Torch-On

                                  IKO Roofgarden System Torch-On

                                    Key Benefits to your project
                                    • Bituminous Felts
                                      Achieves FLL 4-Year Root Penetration Test

                                    • Purpose made roof garden waterproofing cap sheet

                                    • Specifically formulated ‘Anti-Root’ coating

                                    IKO Roofstar Plus System

                                    IKO Roofstar Plus System

                                      Key Benefits to your project
                                      • General purpose polymer modified mastic asphalt roofing available to all mastic asphalt installers

                                      • Enhanced flexibility and laying qualities across a wide temperature range

                                      • Complies with BS EN 12970:2000

                                      IKO Roofstar System

                                      IKO Roofstar System

                                        Key Benefits to your project
                                        • General purpose and economical mastic asphalt roofing available to all mastic asphalt installers

                                        • Complies with BS EN 12970:2000

                                        • Long term durability with resistance to movement

                                        IKO Ruberseal EPDM Cold Roof System

                                        IKO Ruberseal EPDM Cold Roof System

                                          Key Benefits to your project
                                          • Simple and quick to install

                                          • Minimal maintenance

                                          • In roll or pre-fabricated format

                                          IKO Turbo Torch System – Merchant & Reseller Usage Only

                                          IKO Turbo Torch System – Merchant & Reseller Usage Only

                                            Key Benefits to your project
                                            • High performance/rapid installation

                                            • Unique Turbo-Flow SBS modified bitumen coating

                                            • Quick Torch” rapid dispersal backing film

                                            IKO ULTRA Mach Two Cold Roof System

                                            IKO ULTRA Mach Two Cold Roof System

                                              Key Benefits to your project
                                              • Bituminous Felts
                                                Flame-free system, single layer, highly robust membrane

                                              • BBA certification (00/3760) – durability at least 30 years

                                              • Superior puncture resistance

                                              IKO ULTRA Stick System

                                              IKO ULTRA Stick System

                                                Key Benefits to your project
                                                • Bituminous Felts
                                                  Prevent Graphite Fire Wall Technology with self-extinguishing properties

                                                • Classified BROOF(t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5: 2005 fire classification

                                                • Easy installation – self-adhesive/heat welding, no gas torches or hot bitumen required

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