Permeable Grid for Sloping Roof Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation methods for sloping roof spaces, particularly in low areas near outer walls, face challenges in maintaining effective insulation without blocking vents or coming into contact with roof coverings, leading to heat loss and condensation issues.
Innovation Solution
A sloping roof space insulation system utilizing a metal grid with regularly distributed openings to retain loose insulation like stone wool or glass wool, ensuring airflow and preventing displacement, while being securely fastened to the roof and wall structures to cover insulation gaps and prevent thermal bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loose insulation product is used to insulate low areas of the roof, then complete insulation envelope is achieved, but insulation blocks vents and comes into contact with roof covering
Solution Approach 1:
A mesh or grid structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the loose insulation and the roof covering/vents. The mesh retains the insulation in place while allowing air circulation through its openings, preventing both contact with roof covering and blockage of vents. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling insulation continuity without the harmful side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a mesh or grid with regularly distributed openings creates a porous structure that allows air to pass through while retaining insulation material. This porous configuration enables the system to maintain insulation continuity in low roof areas while preserving vent functionality and preventing contact between insulation and roof covering.
2Ease of manufacture
If panels or rolls of insulation are used, then insulation installation is simplified, but handling in access areas and laying in low height areas becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into two independent components: a mesh/grid structure and loose insulation material. This segmentation allows the mesh to be installed first in difficult-to-reach low areas using simple tools, followed by the easy distribution of loose insulation through blowing or pouring. Each component can be handled independently according to its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The loose insulation material can be transported and distributed through pneumatic systems (blowing) or hydraulic systems (pouring), enabling easy installation in access areas and low height areas without manual handling. This method simplifies the installation process while maintaining the ability to reach difficult locations.
3Loss of energy
If insulation is placed close to outer walls in low areas, then thermal bridges are prevented, but airflow circulation is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh structure provides locally differentiated functionality: in areas close to outer walls, the mesh retains insulation to prevent thermal bridges, while in vent areas, the mesh openings allow airflow to pass through. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction by applying different functions to different locations within the same structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh acts as an intermediary that enables both functions simultaneously: it provides a continuous insulation surface to prevent thermal bridges while its porous structure allows airflow to circulate. The mesh mediates between the conflicting requirements of insulation continuity and air circulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains continuous insulation between walls and loft spaces, reduces heat loss, and prevents condensation by allowing airflow, while securely holding insulation in place even in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a unit permeable to air, provided with regularly distributed openings, arranged on the surface of the tapered portion and retaining the loose insulation which forms part of the said tapered portion
Implementation Method 2
A heated building is insulated in order to reduce the heat losses. A significant part of the heat losses can take place through the ceiling and the roof.
Implementation Method 3
circulation of air under the covering prevents condensation, which is a cause of rapid deterioration of the battens and the roof timbers
Data Source
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AI summary
Sloping roof space insulation installation with a main portion comprising an upper face (12a), a lower face (12b) which is supported on a roof space floor, and a tapered portion (12c) which is arranged at an end of the main portion, and is in contact with the said floor and with a lower roof surface in the vicinity of a lower edge of the roof, comprising a mat (12) of loose insulation selected from amongst: stone wool, glass wool and cellulose, and a unit permeable to air, provided with regularly distributed openings (11d), arranged on the surface of the tapered portion (12c) and retaining the loose insulation which forms part of the said tapered portion (12c).