Flat roof homes - are they hot inside? (tile, live)

[matt_sfl]

I was noticing how those older homes there from the 50's and 60's have flat roofs. Or else they have a super low-pitched roof. Either way there is no attic. They sure are neat looking but how can they retain coolness inside without that upper layer of insulation? Even with a good ac system, if that ceiling is hot it won't cool off, right?

[USNomad]

Originally Posted by matt_sfl

I was noticing how those older homes there from the 50's and 60's have flat roofs. Or else they have a super low-pitched roof. Either way there is no attic. They sure are neat looking but how can they retain coolness inside without that upper layer of insulation? Even with a good ac system, if that ceiling is hot it won't cool off, right?

When I lived there from 2006-2010, I had a home with a flat roof but we had tile flooring and ceiling fans. You apply a elastomeric coating on the roof every few years and it keeps it pretty TIGHT, and cool.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by matt_sfl

I was noticing how those older homes there from the 50's and 60's have flat roofs. Or else they have a super low-pitched roof. Either way there is no attic. They sure are neat looking but how can they retain coolness inside without that upper layer of insulation? Even with a good ac system, if that ceiling is hot it won't cool off, right?

Not certain if this applies to all homes, Matt . . .

My Flat Roof Home (30 plus years old) has about a foot of "dead" space between the interior ceiling and the actual roof and I've never had a problem keeping it comfortable in either Summer or Winter.

[azdr0710]

insulation and orientation (N-S-E-W) are more important factors to protect against heat gain inside....double-pane windows can help a lot, too.....