What should I ask the builders to use for my Penthouse roof, so that it does not absorbs heat?

Question

I am booking a Penthouse on the 18th floor of an apartment block. I am worried about the roof of the Penthouse, that it will heat up in summer and become un-bearable for us to live indoors. What should I ask the builders to make or treat the roof with, so that by living in tropical summer, it does not aborbs the heat of the roof..

Answer 1

Its not what the roof is made of that really matters. Its the fact that you need good insulation between the roofing material and the ceiling material. It needs to be of a very high R-value.

It would also help if you told us where you live.

Here in the Northeast US, it can get pretty hot during the summer. We use asphalt shingles for the roofing material (above a layer of plywood). Underneath that, we use rolled fiberglass insulation, usually R-19, R-21 or even R-30.

Answer 2

Radient barrier & ventilation & insulation.
If new, use Tech shield/polar ply roof decking.
If old, apply "Heat block 75" from pittsburg paint...spray on radient barrier. You must have plent of ventilation & insulate your ceiling, not the roof deck. This is a sun belt application, but will work any where.

Answer 3

Insulating between you and the roof is what counts. The roofer
should be able to help you. See, what your neighbors use. It
sounds to me like you live in the southeast, USA. And check out window treatments. Blinds and curtains etc. And here is a
pretty important tip. How good is your air conditioner. Make it a good one. Enjoy, your 18th story view. And good luck in the
new house.

Answer 4

have them spray that insulation in the roof rafters works for us. this is one company

Answer 5

something with sliver in it, to reflect the heat,
like crome paint, silver paint,