Inverted roof
An inverted roof, also referred to as a ‘protected membrane’ or ‘upside down’ roof, is form of flat roof in which the waterproofing layer is beneath the thermal insulation rather than above it.
The waterproofing layer is typically a liquid-applied membrane above a concrete roof slab, with insulation boards laid over the top, weighted down with either paving slabs or gravel ballast to protect against wind uplift and flotation. Rainwater percolates down through and between the insulation boards to the membrane where it is drained away through rainwater outlets.
One of the main benefits of the inverted roof method is that the membrane is protected by the insulation from the expansion and contraction caused by weather fluctuations, such as frost and solar radiation. It is also protected from damage by traffic on the roof, such as people walking, the movement of equipment and so on.
When calculating the U-value of the roof, consideration must be given to the fact that the insulation is likely to be wet a lot of the time, with some moisture trapped beneath the boards. This can create the risk of condensation occurring within the build-up of the roof, as the temperature of the membrane can be below the dew point. However, once the roof deck (and the membrane) warms up, the condensation will be able to evaporate. Problems can occur if the accumulation of condensation persists.
For more information, see Specifying insulation for inverted roofs.
For a case study of an inverted roof defect, see Inverted roof defect - case study.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.