DCTech IRMA Roof Design Guide

pga
PROCTOR GROUP AUSTRALIA
IRMA Roof Design Guide
Trouble free externally insulated flat roofs

Solutions for new buildings and rectification
Trouble free externally insulated flat roofs - Solutions for new building and rectification | January 2022
pga
Why IRMA roofs?

At DCTech we believe the best way to ensure a trouble-
free roof is to build it upside-down using an Inverted Roof
Membrane Assembly [IRMA] system in which the thermal
insulation is located above the waterproof layer.
1
2
3
4
5
New Parliament House, Canberra

Legend
1 Surface Protection Layer

2 Water shedding layer
3 Thermal insulation
4 Waterproofing layer
5 Structural slab/deck (concrete, timber or metal)
The IRMA flat roof approach has been successfully adopted

since the 1970s across Europe & North America and was
applied on New Parliament House in Canberra.
The IRMA roof offers numerous advantages. When specified

with a suitable compressive strength of extruded polystyrene
(XPS) thermal insulation, an appropriate surface protection
Sydney IRMA Roof
(such as ballast, pavers, screed or a green roof) and the
right warterproofing and water shedding layers, an IRMA
roof provides:
• Protection The waterproofing membrane is protected

from UV and thermal stress by the DCT XPS insulation and
the surface protection layer.
• Ease of maintenance Ballast or pavers and ProctorGeo

IRMA water shedding layers can easily be peeled back
to inspect the insulation or waterproofing layer.
• Condensation mitigation By ensuring that the concrete

is kept close to warm indoor temperature by the
external insulation, condensation risk is mitigated.
• Thermal bridging limited As the external layer of XPS is

continuous, the extent and degree of thermal bridging Sydney IRMA Roof
is limited.
• Long term thermal performance Compared to other

insulating methods, the use of XPS ensures thermal
performance is maintained even in the presence of
moisture due to its closed cell structure.
• Simplified installation Simply loose lay the XPS over the

waterproof membrane without fixings or adhesives,
followed by a ProctorGeo membrane or drainage layer,
and a surface protection layer such as ballast.
• Multiple design options Having the insulation on the

outside allows for exposed ceiling designs.
• One-trade installation Insulation, water shedding and

separation layers and surface protection layers can all
be installed by the waterproofing contractor. Federation Square, Melbourne
Trouble free externally insulated flat roofs - Solutions for new building and rectification| January 2022 2
pga
Flat Roof Design Guide - the trouble free flat roof
To ensure your flat roof will fulfill its intended functional requirements whilst remaining trouble-free throughout its design
service life, follow these basic design principles and rules.
The roof should not be flat
Standing water on a roof will shorten

the life of any waterproof layer, reduce
overall thermal performance and
encourage plant growth, the roots
of which are likely to damage the
waterproof layer.
A design fall of 1:40 will ensure that a

built fall of at least 1:80 can safely be
achieved, thus ensuring rainwater will
be directed to the roof drainage outlets.
If the roof is designed without falls or
construction tolerances, deflection of
the structure under load will result in
back-falls and water ponding can be
expected to occur at low points.
Rainwater ponding between poorly located drainage points due to lack of fall and long
term deflection in roof slab
Design an integrated system for drainage
In order to maximise overall durability and to ensure the required insulation R-value is achieved and maintained for the life
of the building, every part of the roof surface should be designed with falls in accordance with best practice and local
technical standards and regulations.
The first thing to consider is how much rainwater can be expected to fall on the roof, over what period of time and how
frequently these peaks are predicted to occur.*
Next you should decide whether these peak requirements can be accommodated in the public sewer or discharged to a
local watercourse or ground sumps and finally, how and when will it get there?
Drainage falls are best provided by designing the basic structure to the required falls; alternatively a tapered screed or
tapered insulation boards may be specified. Rainwater run-off must be directed to outlets of sufficient number and size to
discharge the maximum rainfall predicted by the climate data for the site.
Rainwater outlets must be located at low points of the roof, taking into account deflection of the structure. As rainwater
pipes are sometimes attached to columns it is likely that drainage points end up at high points incorrectly distanced from
where they are needed. The consequences are illustrated above.
Consider systems for rainwater storage
In areas of increasing urbanisation the existing public services may be at risk of excess surcharge, especially at times of
extended heavy rain fall. Well designed ‘Green Roof’ systems can assist to mange peaks in rainwater discharge.
There is increasing interest in schemes to retain rainwater or to delay its discharge from impervious surfaces. The term ‘Blue
Roof’ is now used to describe a roof from which the rate of rainwater discharge is slowed; if such attenuation is required
then the structural design must take it into account.
The waterproof layer is best not be left exposed
Whether bonded to the slab/deck or loose laid and mechanically fastened, a waterproof layer must remain impermeable
to liquid water. Any waterproof layer left exposed will be susceptible to mechanical damage - even by light foot traffic
such as is required for inspection and maintenance. Damage to the waterproof layer will lead to damage of the building
fabric; a protective layer is essential to long term durability.
Any material used to waterproof a flat roof will provide a longer, trouble-free life if it is protected by a surface protection
layer to protect against impact damage and extremes of climate - ranging from high winds, storms, hailstones, bush-fire
embers, frost and both UV and thermal stress from intense solar radiation.
* Detailed weather data for all Australian climate zones is readily available on-line from the Bureau of Meteorology [www.bom.gov.au].
pga
Built tight and insulate right for good Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and durability of the building fabric
The quality, moisture load and temperature of the air within an occupied building must be assessed and controlled to
ensure the comfort and well-being of the users. The effect upon the integrity and long-term performance of the building
fabric must also be understood and assessed.
The activities of the occupants within the building (breathing, washing, cooking, laundry etc.) together with the humidity
of supply air and the design and performance of any installed air-conditioning, will determine the moisture content of the
internal air and thus its relative humidity.
The difference between internal conditions and the outdoor environment will exert a vapour pressure on the external
envelope of the building. This pressure differential will tend to drive the moisture into and through the fabric of the building
envelope based on the properties and placement of all the layers that make up each building element.
Whether loose-laid, mechanically fastened or fully bonded to the roof deck, any waterproof membrane product will also
form a total barrier to the passage of air and water vapour and constitute a vapour control layer [VCL]. Placing at least 2/3
of the insulation (DCT XPS) external to both the roof structure and the waterproof membrane has been modelled to work in
most applications and climates.
We do however recommend that designers prepare a condensation risk analysis particularly for high moisture buildings,
extreme climate locations and where it becomes necessary to have some level of insulation located below the waterproof
membrane and/or the roof structure. Condensation risk is covered for each system in our comprehensive technical library.
For more complex designs we are glad to assist with this analysis.
Condensation forming under a Sydney slab insulated internally from below
pga
Insulate with care to effectively manage condensation
Placing thermal insulation at the underside of the roof slab/ If thermal insulation is positioned externally above the
deck will result in the building fabric being colder in winter slab/deck and above the waterproof layer, the structure
or at night. will be maintained close to internal temperature minimis-
ing the risk of interstitial and surface condensation.
When the temperature of the roof structure falls below
the dew point of indoor air this creates a risk of surface Other considerations such as design and interior finish
condensation forming on the underside of the relatively are also affected, with designs like an exposed concrete
cold slab/deck. ceiling and the ability to run services at indoor conditions
now a possibility.
Condensation on underside of a cool un-insulated Exposed non-thermally broken ceiling design

concrete roof slab made possible with exterior insulation
1 - Waterproofing membrane 1 - Stone ballast

2 - Concrete 2 - ProctorGeo IRMA
3 - Mineral wool insulation 3 - DCT XPS Insulation
4 - Suspended ceiling 4 - Waterproofing membrane
5 - Plasterboard 5 - Concrete
1 1
2
2 3
4
3 5
-25 oC TEMPERATURE 25 oC -25 oC TEMPERATURE 25 oC
1 1
2
2 3
4
3
5
4
5
Temperature Dewpoint Temperature Dewpoint

Profile Profile Profile Profile
pga
Insulate with care to effectively manage thermal

bridging
When insulating on the underside of the slab, thermal Insulating externally above the structure eliminates
bridging is still present and will leak heat to the outside. thermal bridging as the insulation is continuous and
Common thermal bridges are created at interior and easier to inspect and maintain, providing assurance that
exterior wall junctions. the building has been properly insulated.
40
Exposure to stress from cyclic temperatures and UV
30
When insulating a concrete roof from the underside, the
critical waterproofing and structural layers are left exposed
to the harsh Australian climate and large seasonal and
diurnal temperature fluctuations. 20
Temperature oC
Insulating externally with DCT XPS ensures the

waterproofing membrane is protected from UV and critical
10
structural and water control layers are maintained at a
stable indoor temperature.
0
Temp range (insulated below slab)
Temp range (insulated above slab by DCT XPS GA 300)
-10
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Why DCT XPS is the only solution
In applications where the insulation is likely to be exposed

to moisture, DCT XPS offers the best thermal performance,
in comparison with other products such as mineral wool,
expanded polystyrene (EPS), phenolic and polyurethanes
such as PIR and PU.
The figure on the right shows how the R-value of a

50 mm board of each of the insulation types is affected by
moisture uptake.
Mineral wool is R1.25 when dry but R0.7 at 14% moisture

content. PU and Phenolic are R2.0 when dry but R0.8 at 15%
moisture content.
EPS and XPS reach full saturation at 10% moisture content.

EPS is R1.6 when dry and R1.0 at 10% moisture content
whereas XPS is R1.75 when dry and R1.4 at the same 10%.
Mineral wool, Phenolic and PU are almost half their R-value

when wet. EPS retains 60% of its R-value when saturated.
DCT XPS retains 80% of its R-value when saturated.
pga
Construction Details
Edge detail Roof outlet detail

Butt the XPS board and ProctorGeo IRMA against the waterproofing Where the XPS terminates, downturn the ProctorGeo IRMA down the edge
membrane (WPM) running vertically and ensure the ProctorGeo IRMA is of XPS such that it overlays and meets up with the WPM. This ensures the
upturned along the parapet. Apply the flashing over the parapet such that it flow of water is directed towards the darinage outlet.
covers both the WPM and ProctorGeo IRMA and finish with ballast.
Internal gutter detail Drainage pipe detail

Run the WPM, XPS and ProctorGeo IRMA continuously along all sections Run the WPM into the pipe, place the XPS and IRMA on top, terminating at
above the leveling screed. Finish with pedestals and pavers on top. the entrance of the pipe / end of the flashing. Fill with ballast on top so that
ballast fills the space between XPS and the drained flashing.
System Solutions pga
DCT-R05-1
FLAT CONCRETE IRMA ROOF WITH DC8 PLUS
Stone ballast DCT-R05-1 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

(IRMA) concrete roof, insulated externally with a
ProctorGeo DC8 Plus moisture resistant high compressive strength XPS
insulation that serves to protect the membrane from
DCT XPS GA 300 UV exposure and maintains the roof slab at a stable
temperature. The insulation is weighted down by a
Waterproofing membrane stone ballast loaded above a drainage layer with
Concrete integrated geotextile to manage rainwater above
the insulation layer.
DCT-R05-4
FLAT CONCRETE IRMA ROOF WITH PEDESTALS AND PAVERS (PROCTORGEO IRMA)
Stone pavers DCT-R05-4 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

DCT Pedestals (IRMA) concrete roof with pavers on pedestals,
insulated externally with a moisture resistant high
ProctorGeo IRMA compressive strength DCT GA300 XPS insulation that
serves to protect the membrane from exposure
DCT XPS GA 300 and maintains the roof slab at a stable indoor
temperature. A water resistant ProctorGeo IRMA
Waterproofing membrane geotextile installed above the insulation manages
Concrete rainwater to minimise rainwater cooling below
the insulation.Where required the ProctorGeo
Metal top hats IRMA can be replaced by ProctorPassive RS-IT or
Plasterboard ProctorPassive PyroPerm A2.
DCT-R05-2
FLAT CONCRETE IRMA ROOF (DC8 PLUS) WITH PROTECTION LAYER (DC8)
DCT-R05-2 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

Stone ballast (IRMA) concrete roof, insulated externally with a
moisture resistant high compressive strength XPS
ProctorGeo DC8 Plus
insulation that serves to protect the membrane
DCT XPS GA 300 from UV exposure and maintains the roof slab
Protection layer at a stable indoor temperature. The insulation is
Waterproofing membrane weighted down by a stone ballast loaded above
Concrete a drainage layer with integrated geotextile to
manage rainwater above the insulation layer.
Primary drainage is above the insulation layer, but
this system can include a protection and backup
drainage layer under the insulation if required.
DCT-R05-3
FLAT CONCRETE IRMA ROOF (PROCTORGEO IRMA)
Stone ballast DCT-R05-3 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

(IRMA) concrete roof, insulated externally with
ProctorGeo IRMA
a moisture resistant high compressive strength
DCT XPS GA 300 DCT GA300 XPS insulation that serves to protect
the membrane from UV exposure and maintains
Waterproofing membrane the roof slab at a stable indoor temperature. The
Concrete insulation is weighted down by a stone ballast
loaded above a water resistant ProctorGeo
Suspended ceiling IRMA geotextile to manage rainwater above the
insulation layer.
Plasterboard
DCT-R43-1
FLAT CLT IRMA ROOF WITH DC8 PLUS

Stone ballast (IRMA) CLT roof, insulated externally with a moisture
ProctorGeo DC8 Plus resistant high compressive strength XPS insulation
that serves to protect the membrane from UV
DCT XPS GA 300 exposure and maintains the CLT roof at a stable
temperature. The insulation is weighted down by
Waterproofing membrane a stone ballast loaded above a drainage layer
CLT with integrated geotextile to manage rainwater
above the insulation layer. Required fall in roof can
be provided either by the CLT or a cut to fall XPS
insulation.
DCT-R09-1
FLAT CONCRETE GREEN ROOF (DC8 PLUS)

Grass (IRMA) concrete roof, insulated externally with a
moisture resistant high compressive strength XPS
Soil
insulation that serves to protect the membrane from
ProctorGeo DC8 Plus UV exposure and maintains the roof slab at a stable
DCT XPS GA 300 indoor temperature. The insulation is weighted
down by a green roof above a drainage layer with
Protection layer integrated geotextile to manage rainwater above
Waterproofing membrane the insulation layer. Primary drainage is above
Concrete the insulation layer, but this system can include a
protection and backup drainage layer under the
insulation if required.
Trouble free externally insulated flat roofs - Solutions for new building and rectification|January 2022 9
DCT-R09-3
EXTERNALLY INSULATED GREEN ROOF WITH RAINWATER STORAGE, DRAINAGE AND ROOT AERATION (DC20-R)
Grass
Soil DCT-R09-3 Green roof, externally insulated with
ProctorGeo HC8-2G a moisture resistant high compressive strength
XPS insulation, located below the waterpoofing
ProctorGeo DC20-R
membrane barrier to maintain the roof slab at
Geotextile a stable indoor temperature. The insulation is
Waterproofing membrane weighted down by a green roof system which
DCT XPS GA 300 includes a combination of geotextile layers that
ProctorGeo Vap 120 offer rainwater storage, drainage, root aeration
Concrete and protection of the waterproofing.
Rainwater storage This green roof design offers

a robust rainwater storage solution via the
ProctorGeo DC20-R reservoir. The ProctorGeo
DC20-R reservoir functions by storing water up to
a notch, allowing a much thinner layer of soil to
be used for the vegetation to be planted. The
notch provides an overflow exit for the excess
water, maintaining the water level consistently
and draining the excess via the geotextile and
waterproofing membrane.
Products pga
DCT XPS GA 300

Insulation
DCT XPS GA 300 is a closed cell high compressive
strength, low moisture absorption extruded
polystyrene (XPS) general application board for
insulating roofs, walls and floors in commercial and
residential applications
DCT RTM-X
Insulation
DCT RTM-X is a closed cell 400kPa low moisture
absorption extruded polystyrene (XPS)
recommended where higher compressive strength
is required. RTM-X is also used as a core material in
sandwich panels for the walls, floors and roofs and
used in refrigerated trucks, containers and panels.
DCT Tapered XPS

Insulation
DCT Tapered XPS is an XPS insulation of the

required compressive strength, cut as per project
requirements with a specified taper for cut-to-fall
applications.
Products pga
ProctorGeo IRMA
Vapour permeable water shedding layer
ProctorGeo IRMA is a water shedding and vapour
permeable spun bonded polyolefin non-woven
geotextile for use as a separating layer in ballasted
or paved Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly
(IRMA) flat roofs.
ProctorGeo IRMA is tested to ETAG 031, and

gives a Class W1 Resistance to water penetration
after artificial ageing per EN 13859-1;2 Annex C.
ProctorGeo IRMA is also resistant to the effects of
lime water, sodium chloride solution and sulphurous
acid (EN 1847).
ProctorPassive Rainscreen RS-IT

UV Resistant vapour permeable water shedding layer
ProctorPassive Rainscreen (RS-IT) is a vapour
permeable water-shedding layer for use below
ventilated open joint pavers and decking with
regularly spaced open joints no greater than
30mm wide accounting for 30% open total surface
area offering a combination of UV durability and
high water holdout without compromising vapour
permeability.
ProctorGeo DC8 Plus / DC20 Plus

Drainage and filtration layer
ProctorGeo DC8 Plus is an 8mm dimpled HDPE

darinage sheet pre-bonded to a 100gsm non-
woven geotextile for preventing soil particles from
blocking drainage.
ProctorGeo DC20 Plus is a 20mm dimpled HDPE

drainage sheet pre-bonded to a 100gsm non-
woven geotextile for preventing soil particles from
blocking drainage.
Products pga
ProctorGeo HC8-2G
Drainage and aeration layer for green roofs
ProctorGeo HC8-2G drainage & aeration

spacer mat is made from a high void ratio three
dimensional shaped mesh of polypropylene
monofilaments, tangled and fused together and
bonded on each side with filter geotextile.
ProctorGeo DC20-Reservoir
Drainage and water storage layer for green roofs
ProctorGeo DC20-Reservoir (DC20-R) is a 20mm

moulded thermoformed HDPE sheet that can store
rainwater in storage cells and drain off excess water
below the sheet via drainage slots.
DCT Pedestals
Adjustable paver support system
DCT Pedestals provide the support foundation for

decking or tiled raised terraces adjustable up to
950mm, with very high compressive strength and
optional attachments for slope levelling.
Products pga
Soter Fall Protection System

Fall protection system
Soter Fall Protection System is a leading range of

Fall Protection Systems that are designed to appeal
to all parties who come into contact with working
at height applications
ProctorGeo Vap 120

Vapour impermeable separation layer
ProctorGeo Vap 120 is a separation layer that can
be used where the waterproofing membrane is not
compatible with the insulation. ProctorGeo Vap 120
is placed between the XPS and the waterproofing
membrane.
ProctorPassive PyroPerm A2
Limted combustability vapour permeable water shedding layer
ProctorPassive PyroPerm A2 is is a limited
combustability (Euroclass A2) vapour permeable
water-shedding layer for use below pavers and
decking offering a high water holdout without
compromising vapour permeability.
Compliance pga
Product
NCC 2019 Compliance Pathway Test Report
(Deemed to Satisfy)
DCT XPS GA 300 Specification C1.10 Section 7 AS1530.3 AWTA Test Report 20-001280
DCT RTM-X Specification C1.10 Section 7 AS1530.3 AWTA Test Report 7-565348-CN
ProctorPassive Rainscreen
C1.9 (e) (vi) Sarking type material AS1530.2 AWTA Test report 20-005451
(RS-IT)
ProctorGeo DC8 Plus Specification C1.10 Section 7 AS1530.3 AWTA Test Report 20-004285
ProctorGeo Vap 120 C1.9 (e) (vi) Sarking type material AS1530.2 AWTA Test report 21-005215
ProctorPassive PyroPerm A2 C1.9 (e) (vi) Sarking type material AS1530.2 AWTA Test report 20-002676
Note
C1.9 Non-combustible building elements. (e) The following materials may be used
C1.9 (e) (vi) wherever a non-combustible material is required: (vi) Sarking-type materials that do
not exceed 1 mm in thickness and have a Flammability Index not greater than 5.
Specification C1.10 Fire hazard properties. Section 7 Other materials. Materials and
assemblies in a Class 2 to 9 building not included in Clauses 3, 4, 5 or 6 must not
Specification C1.10 Section 7
exceed a Spread-of-Flame Index of 9 and a Smoke-Developed Index of 8 if the
Spread-of-Flame Index is more than 5.
pga
ACOUSTIC INSULATION - CONSTRUCTION MEMBRANES - GEOSYNTHETICS

PASSIVE VENTILATION - RAINSCREEN SYSTEMS - THERMAL INSULATION
Dynamic Composite Technologies Pty Ltd.
T 1800 051 100

E tech@dctech.com.au
W www.dctech.com.au

DCTech IRMA Roof Design Guide

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

DCTech IRMA Roof Design Guide

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

pga

PROCTOR GROUP AUSTRALIA

IRMA Roof Design Guide

Trouble free externally insulated flat roofs

IRMA Roof Design Guide

Why IRMA roofs?

New Parliament House, Canberra

1 Surface Protection Layer

The IRMA flat roof approach has been successfully adopted

The IRMA roof offers numerous advantages. When specified

• Protection The waterproofing membrane is protected

• Ease of maintenance Ballast or pavers and ProctorGeo

• Condensation mitigation By ensuring that the concrete

• Thermal bridging limited As the external layer of XPS is

• Long term thermal performance Compared to other

• Simplified installation Simply loose lay the XPS over the

• Multiple design options Having the insulation on the

• One-trade installation Insulation, water shedding and

Flat Roof Design Guide - the trouble free flat roof

The roof should not be flat

Standing water on a roof will shorten

A design fall of 1:40 will ensure that a

Design an integrated system for drainage

Consider systems for rainwater storage

The waterproof layer is best not be left exposed

IRMA Roof Design Guide

Condensation forming under a Sydney slab insulated internally from below

Flat Roof Design Guide - the trouble free flat roof

Insulate with care to effectively manage condensation

Condensation on underside of a cool un-insulated Exposed non-thermally broken ceiling design

1 - Waterproofing membrane 1 - Stone ballast

-25 oC TEMPERATURE 25 oC -25 oC TEMPERATURE 25 oC

Temperature Dewpoint Temperature Dewpoint

IRMA Roof Design Guide

Insulate with care to effectively manage thermal

Exposure to stress from cyclic temperatures and UV

Insulating externally with DCT XPS ensures the

Temp range (insulated above slab by DCT XPS GA 300)

Why DCT XPS is the only solution

In applications where the insulation is likely to be exposed

The figure on the right shows how the R-value of a

Mineral wool is R1.25 when dry but R0.7 at 14% moisture

EPS and XPS reach full saturation at 10% moisture content.

Mineral wool, Phenolic and PU are almost half their R-value

DCT XPS retains 80% of its R-value when saturated.

Flat Roof Design Guide - the trouble free flat roof

Edge detail Roof outlet detail

Internal gutter detail Drainage pipe detail

Stone ballast DCT-R05-1 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

Stone pavers DCT-R05-4 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

DCT-R05-2 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

Stone ballast DCT-R05-3 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

DCT-R43-1 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

DCT-R09-1 Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly

Rainwater storage This green roof design offers

DCT XPS GA 300

DCT Tapered XPS

DCT Tapered XPS is an XPS insulation of the

ProctorGeo IRMA is tested to ETAG 031, and

ProctorPassive Rainscreen RS-IT

ProctorGeo DC8 Plus / DC20 Plus

ProctorGeo DC8 Plus is an 8mm dimpled HDPE

ProctorGeo DC20 Plus is a 20mm dimpled HDPE

ProctorGeo HC8-2G drainage & aeration