Target U-value

Pitched roof intent

How much insulation for pitched roof?

A pitched roof usually needs enough insulation to reach the target U-value without exceeding the available build-up depth.

Best for

  • Warm roofs
  • Pitched roofs
  • Roof rebuilds
Worked example

How much insulation is needed to reach 0.18 W/m²K?

Roof calculations are sensitive to the existing roof deck resistance, so this page keeps the example simple and direct.

Example build-up

Target U-value 0.18 W/m²K, existing roof resistance 1.70 m2K/W, insulation lambda 0.035 W/mK.

Result

Required insulation thickness is approximately 10.6 cm.

Roof notes

Why pitched roofs need care

Available depth

The rafter depth may limit the thickness you can fit.

Ventilation layer

Some roof types need a ventilated gap that changes the build-up.

Thermal bridge control

The target value is not only about thickness; details around junctions matter too.

Related pages

Next steps

Insulation thickness calculator

Open the calculator for a custom roof build-up.

Open calculator

Roof insulation thickness guide

Read the roof-specific thickness guide.

Open guide

How much insulation for roof?

Compare with the general roof target-U page.

Open page