Smarter insulation for data centre requirements
Data centres: energy efficiency and operational reliability start with the roof
Data centres are becoming ever more central to our digital world. As equipment generates increasing levels of heat, operators face a clear challenge: keeping indoor temperatures under control while reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
A well-insulated building envelope plays a crucial role in meeting this challenge. By minimising air leakage and heat transfer through the roof, high-performance insulation helps maintain stable indoor conditions, particularly in terms of temperature. This allows building services to be controlled more precisely and to operate at their full potential.
For data centre owners, operators and designers, insulation is much more than a structural component. It is a strategic investment in continuous, reliable operation. When it comes to roofing, the most common causes of disruption include leaks in the waterproofing membrane and fire incidents, for example linked to the growing use of rooftop solar PV systems.
Rigid PIR insulation provides a stable, non-compressible base for the waterproofing membrane, helping to prevent stress caused by stretching. At the same time, the surface of PIR insulation retains a degree of resilience, improving the impact resistance of the waterproofing membrane against hail, foot traffic and maintenance work when compared with fully rigid mineral-based substrates.
PIR insulation products are extensively fire tested at both product and system level, including tests involving solar panel fires. The results have been compared with equivalent fire tests on structures using non-combustible mineral wool insulation. PIR insulation has shown no tendency to smoulder. In addition, PIR-insulated structures have delivered the strongest protection for load-bearing structures and the spaces below against fire from above.
Recticel offers proven solutions for data centre roof structures, taking energy efficiency, fire performance and moisture management into account. Recticel is experienced in supporting solution development and product approvals for international projects, where local building regulations need to be aligned with international quality objectives.
A wide range of Recticel insulation products are FM-approved. FM Approval is an exceptionally thorough certification process, assessing roof durability and safety from several perspectives. No other certification is as comprehensive, as the process also includes inspections of production facilities. As part of FM Approval, FM Global tests roof performance against fires from above and below the roof, wind loads, hail and foot traffic, as well as standard watertightness. Only the best PVC roofing systems meet the strict requirements of FM Approval.
In critical buildings such as data centres, pharmaceutical production facilities and industrial manufacturing sites, the cost of roof damage can be significant. That is why an FM-approved roof structure gives developers and building users confidence that the roof has been designed and built to high standards, using high-quality, thoroughly tested materials.
Recticel’s experts support developers, designers and roofing contractors in selecting the most suitable solution for each project.
The construction of data centres is on the rise in the Nordic countries.
