This ventilation is necessary to prevent condensation from forming below the roof deck which can.
Timber cold flat roof construction.
The insulation is below the deck but above the plasterboard.
One of the most essential considerations in a cold deck flat roof construction is the requirement for adequate ventilation in the form of a ventilated cavity of at least 50mm between the underside of the timber deck and the roof insulation below.
In the warm flat roof construction there is insulation packed into every possible space where air can flow.
There must be an adequate void minimum 50mm between the deck and the insulation traditionally mineral wool to allow free movement of air and to prevent moisture vapour being transmitted from the building outwards where it could condensate in the roof.
The major difference between the warm flat roof and the cold flat roof has to do with the air flow between the roofing timbers known as joists that help to hold up the roof.
As you may imagine there is a fair amount of weight involved here in terms of boards felt etc.
This is used for refurbishment e g.
A cold flat roof is one where the insulation is between or between and below the roof joists.
Refurbishing an existing timber joisted flat roof which has no insulation.
Sizes of joists needed for flat roof construction.
So any timber joists that are used need to be strong enough to support this weight.