HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES FOCUS INSULATION


healthy indoor air quality, by allowing moisture from everyday activities, such as cooking and bathing, to escape from the building envelope via controlled diffusion.


In addition to being moisture vapour


diffusion open, natural fibre insulation products tend to have a high degree of hygroscopicity. This allows moisture vapour to be absorbed, distributed, stored and then harmlessly released with changing indoor and outdoor climate conditions. This absorption and release of moisture by the insulation also helps regulate temperature fluctuations, hence providing a more comfortable living or working space. The environmental impact and other performance benefits of natural insulation often outweigh the marginal differences in thermal conductivity. With careful design the inherent breathability of natural insulation means there is less need for maintenance as moisture build-up is prevented, so there are fewer damp issues.


FIRE SAFETY


As well as moisture prevention, natural fibre insulation has fire safety benefits too, as the products char on exposure to flame, rather than undergoing an explosive burning process. This surface


than some synthetic options, this perspective often fails to consider the longterm benefits and the potential cost savings associated with these materials. The enhanced thermal and moisture management properties of natural insulation can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance costs over the lifetime of the building. When it comes to choosing the best insulation material for a project, natural insulation makes a compelling choice. When you take into consideration heat capacity, breathability, thermal performance acoustics, fire safety and environmental impact, it is easy to see why natural insulation materials are rising in popularity. The growing demand for more


char provides protection to the structure and slows down the penetration of heat and flame through the structure. t is possible to achieve an REI rating of up to 90 minutes tested from inside and outside according to EN13501-2 (BS476 Part 20-22).


A SUSTAINABLE, ENERGY EFFICIENT, NATURAL INSULATION SOLUTION


While it may be the case that the initial cost of natural insulation can be higher


environmentally responsible materials is having a very positive impact on the variety of natural insulations available which means there is now a specific type of insulation available for most applications. By harnessing the inherent properties of natural insulation, buildings can be created that not only reduce energy usage but also that contribute to a greener and healthier future.


SBH Social Media QP - LinkedIn_Golden QP 15/07/2021 11:38 Page 1


Neil Turner is UK technical manager at Ecological Building Systems


Nowon LinkedIn


WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/SHOWCASE/ SELFBUILDER-HOMEMAKER


selfbuilder +homemaker


54 www.sbhonline.co.uk


sep/oct 2024


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