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Effect of insulation on the surface temperature of roof membranes

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Abstract
The surface temperatures of black, gray and white roofs were calculated for various thicknesses of insulation located between the membrane and roof deck. The calculations were performed using a steady state heat balance equation to illustrate the increase in roof surface temperature due to solar radiation. The calculations indicate that the first increment, about 1 inch of insulation, causes a significant rise in the roof surface temperature due to solar radiation. Increasing the amount of insulation above this first increment to greater thicknesses does not appreciably increase the roof surface temperature.
Date
2/1976
Author(s)
Walter Rossiter Jr; Robert Mathey;
Page(s)
16
Keyword(s)
built up roofing; insulation performance; radiative cooling; solar heating; surface temperature


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