Minimum Air Gap On Metal Roof

So if you are installing under a roof or in a wall you must create an air gap.

Minimum air gap on metal roof.

On the south side of the roof there are solar pv tiles with an air gap under them and a ridge vent. The ridge vent only currently vents the air space under the tiles not under the deck. The international energy conservation code prescribes the minimum r values of insulation based on climate zones and typically the required amounts for energy control also assure condensation control. Research has confirmed that creating an air space under a metal roofing system will increase energy savings during both summer and winter months.

An unvented roof assembly is possible only if you keep the roof sheathing warm enough to prevent conditioned air from condensing against it. The better option is to install 1x4 purlins creating a 3 4 thick air space. In order for radiant heat to exist you must have this air gap. Metal panel roof systems require a minimum 3 8 air gap between the underside of the metal panel and the covered or uncovered insulation board.

The beams are 2x6. As it is i will probably be needing some insulation below the rafters to get down to the 0 2u but not needing the 50mm gap obviously helps reduce the size needed. Above sheathing ventilation asv is achieved by having continuous air flow between the roof sheathing and the metal panel system. This provides a path to exit for any leaks thru the metal roof but provides little ventilation beneath the metal roofing.

The map at right which is based on table r806 4 of the irc lists the minimum r values required to prevent condensation in unvented assemblies in various climate zones. Thanks for the info. I m doing a renovation on an unusual roof. Purlins parallel to the eave seem called for as the metal roof panels run perpendicular to the eave.

I m doing a warm roof with breathable membrane so didn t think i needed this 50mm air gap. Also on the south side the deck has an impermeable membrane red line in attachment. No air gap no radiant heat it won t work. As the metal roof heats up in the summer time the added air gap in between will act as a buffer instead of the the metal heating up the below shingle roof.

This installation method also allows you the flexibility of adding a radiant barrier under the metal roof to help with heat transferring into the house which should help the air.