In the warm flat roof construction there is insulation packed into every possible space where air can flow.
Timber cold flat roof construction.
Sizes of joists needed for flat roof construction.
So any timber joists that are used need to be strong enough to support this weight.
Hopefully this video will help explain the difference between cold flat roof construction and warm flat roof construction this videos show detailed drawings.
A cold flat roof is one where the insulation is between or between and below the roof joists.
The insulation is below the deck but above the plasterboard.
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.
In a cold roof construction the sarnafil membrane is installed directly to the structural decking usually timber with firrings to fall.
As you may imagine there is a fair amount of weight involved here in terms of boards felt etc.
Refurbishing an existing timber joisted flat roof which has no insulation.
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.
Old asbestos roofs are often replaced with flat roofs.