Beat the Heat with FSOLS Contempra Insulated Roof Panel Patio Covers

It's been a long, hot summer so far. There are many ways to beat the heat, especially when you have an insulated roof on your patio cover awning. Insulated roof panels can decrease temperatures in a few different ways, making temperatures underneath the insulated roof much more comfortable. Here are some technical aspects of the insulated roof panels we use on our Contempra patio cover:

1. Thermal insulation: Insulated roof panels are designed with insulating materials, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyisocyanurate (PIR), or mineral wool, which have low thermal conductivity. These materials help to reduce the transfer of heat between the exterior and interior of a building. By limiting heat conduction through the roof, insulated panels prevent outdoor heat from penetrating the building and indoor heat from escaping, thus maintaining a more stable and comfortable temperature under the roof. 

2. Reflective surfaces: Some insulated roof panels are also constructed with reflective surfaces, such as aluminum foil or special coatings. These surfaces reflect a significant portion of the incoming solar radiation away from the roof, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the building. This helps to lower the overall temperature of the roof and subsequently decreases the amount of heat transferred to the underneath space.

3. Air barrier: Insulated roof panels typically provide an effective air barrier when properly installed. This barrier prevents the infiltration of outside air into the building and the escape of conditioned air, thereby reducing heat exchange. By minimizing the flow of hot air into the building and limiting the loss of cool air, the insulated panels help maintain lower temperatures under the awning.

4. Reduced thermal bridging: Thermal bridging refers to the phenomenon where heat transfers through conductive elements, such as metal studs or framing members, which bypass the insulation layer. Insulated roof panels, especially those with a continuous insulation core, can minimize thermal bridging by providing a continuous layer of insulation across the roof surface. This reduces heat loss or gain through the structural components, maintaining a more consistent temperature throughout the roof and interior space under the roof.

Overall, Contempra patio cover insulated roof panels combine thermal insulation, reflective surfaces, air barriers, and reduced thermal bridging to create a more energy-efficient and comfortable building envelope. By impeding heat transfer and minimizing the impact of external conditions, these panels contribute to decreased temperatures under the patio cover.