Lightweight Insulating Concrete FAQ's
- How long has Lightweight Insulating Concrete been used in the construction industry?
Lightweight Insulating Concrete has had successful applications throughout the country for over 60 years.
- Is Lightweight Insulating Concrete structural in nature?
NO! Lightweight insulating concrete is a low-density concrete. It’s purpose is to provide insulation to the building while providing a solid base for the roof membrane application. However, it has been found to play a significant role in the diaphragm action of a bar joist and metal roof deck system.
- Can the use of Lightweight Insulating Concrete extend the life of my roof membrane?
YES! The thermal mass of Lightweight Insulating Concrete means that it is slow to heat up, as well as cool down. This results in less wear and tear on the membrane as the expansion and contraction is significantly reduced during the heating and cooling cycles of day and night. In addition, the monolithic system that Lightweight Insulating Concrete roof decks provide mean no joints are present (as between rigid insulation boards) that can impart undue stress onto the membrane.
- How does the use of Lightweight Insulating Concrete affect the re-roofing process?
Lightweight Insulating Concrete is re-roof able. In most cases, only the roof membrane would need to be removed and replaced. This provides a significant cost savings as the labor to remove the insulation, plus disposal fees are taken out of the equation.
- But do the bottom slots of the steel deck enhance the wind-uplift resistance of the system?
NO. There is no correlation between slotted steel deck and wind-uplift resistance.
- How long after rain event should I wait prior to Roof Membrane Installation?
There is no set time requirement between a rain event and the installation of the roof membrane. Pro-Crete Systems can give you a good time estimate on a case by case basis depending upon the amount of rainfall encountered. At the very least, all standing water should be removed from the surface and any seems, edges and/or the surface should be free of the shadow-like effect of absorbed moisture (the Lightweight Insulating Concrete should possess the normal light grey color of dry concrete).
- Does surface cracking cause problems with a Lightweight Insulating Concrete roof deck?
NO! Surface cracking, while unappealing to the eye, in no way compromises the integrity of a lightweight insulating concrete roof deck.
- Can Lightweight Insulating Concrete be used in Enhanced Hurricane Protected Assemblies (EHPAs)?
YES! In the past 5 years, extensive testing has been done to qualify Lightweight Insulating Concrete systems for use in Enhanced HurricaneProtected Areas. Currently, there are many of these systems that are approved for use in EHPAs by the Florida Board of Education. Contact Pro-Crete Systems to determine which product is right for your project.
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