An inverted roof is quite simply where the waterproofing layer is installed over the structural deck rather than over the insulation.
Inverted roof deck insulation.
Armstrong world industries inc.
Tectum e tectum e n acoustical roof deck description.
One of the main benefits of the inverted roof method is that the membrane is protected by the insulation from the expansion and contraction caused by weather fluctuations such as frost and solar radiation.
Rigid extruded polystyrene insulation has minimal water absorption due to its closed cell structure.
It is also protected from damage by traffic on the roof such as people walking the movement of equipment and so on.
Three in one composite roof deck panels provide acoustics insulation and a nailable surface that accepts a wide variety of roofing materials.
The great benefit of inverted roofs is that the insulation protects the membrane from extremes of weather such as frost uv exposure and the expansion and contraction that comes about from summer winter temperature cycles which can be as much as 80 c on some roofs.