Overview, Advantages of pmr – Dow Protected Membrane Roof EN User Manual
Page 3

®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
O
V
E
R
V
I
E
W
3
Overview
C H A N G I N G
T H E
S E Q U E N C E
Advantages of PMR
All flat roof assemblies consist
of the same basic elements
assembled in a seemingly logical
order: a deck (composed of wood,
metal or concrete), covered with
insulation and topped with a
waterproofing membrane. A
protected membrane roof can
employ the same elements, but
the membrane is positioned
under the insulation, offering
exceptional long-term perform-
ance and durability.
PMR assemblies:
• Maintain the membrane at a
nearly constant temperature,
close to the temperature of
the building’s interior; this
minimizes the stresses on the
membrane by reducing the
harmful effects of freeze-thaw
cycling, thermal cycling and
excessive heat
• Protect the membrane from
weathering, foot traffic and other
types of physical abuse – both
during and after construction
• Allow year-round construction
since the roof is waterproofed
first, then insulated
• Permit easy removal and
re-installation of the ballast
and insulation for making
repairs or for constructing
additional stories. In addition,
a protected membrane roof
provides an environmentally
preferred option to reuse the
insulation
• Allow for a range of ballast
options – stone, precast paving
slabs, soil and plantings for a
vegetative roof, interlocking
stone or concrete – depending
on use and aesthetic
considerations
• Are compatible with a range
of membrane types
• Eliminate the need for a
separate vapour retarder
PROVIDE DURABILITY
AND PROTECTION
With the membrane positioned
under the insulation, the choice
of insulation becomes an impor-
tant consideration. The insulation
must be able to withstand wet
environments (without sacrificing
insulation performance) and
foot traffic during and after
construction, while continuing
to perform over time.
Because of its durability and
excellent moisture-resistant qualities,
STYROFOAM
™
Brand Extruded
Polystyrene Foam Insulation
delivers exceptional performance
in roofing and plaza applications.
• Provides excellent moisture
resistance and long-term
R-value (RSI)*
• Offers exceptional durability
to extend the life of the plaza
or roof
• Protects the membrane against
weathering, physical abuse
and damage
• Maintains the membrane at a
relatively constant temperature
• Controls dew point location
*R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value (RSI), the greater the insulating power.