“R”=25, The New Rhode Island Flat Roofing Standard
Island Flat Roofing Standard In the middle of 2013, Rhode Island’s “R” value requirements for new flat roof systems changed from a minimum of 20 to a minimum of 25. As before, this only applies to instances where the existing roof system is removed, not situations where a new roof is installed over an existing roof. While many building inspectors in Rhode Island are not yet enforcing the new minimum “R” value requirements, as time marches on, it will become more and more common. And, Massachusetts is talking about enacting the same requirements state wide. To make things more confusing, beginning in 2014, the “R” value of polyisocyanurate insulation, the most common form of rigid insulation used in flat roofing, was decreased due to new testing standards. With the “R” value of insulation going down and the minimum “R” value going up, a decent amount of insulation will need to be added to the roof assembly. Prior to January 1st, 2014, 1 layer of 4” polyisocyanurate insulation was required to meet an “R” value of 25 or 2 layers of 2.1” to achieve the same “R” value. After January 1, 2014, 1 layer of 4.25” polyisocyanurate insulation will be required to meet an “R” value of 25 or 2 layers of 2.2”. Compared to the old minimum “R” value of 20 under the old testing […]