VIEWPOINT
INSULATION: IT’S MORE THAN THERMAL EFFICIENCY
Matt Neary, national sales manager at Knauf Insulation
INSULATION HAS TRADITIONALLY been seen as a material that offers one key benefit: increased thermal efficiency. But recommending the best products to customers is no longer a case of comparing theoretical lambda values. This month, we will unpack the factors you need to consider, including insulation’s enhancements to real performance, acoustic performance, fire safety and air quality.
Real performance over theoretical values While lambda values are the right place to start when recommending products, they don’t tell the full story. Increasingly, regulations are moving the industry towards the concept of real performance. This is the idea that products must perform in the real world, not merely according to notional calculations.
There is often a significant gap between the thermal performance of buildings’ design, compared to how they perform in the real world, because of inconsistencies in workmanship, installation or materials used.
A key consideration here is buildability. Rigid boards, for example, are more difficult to install correctly than mineral wool, as they require precise cutting and taping, and their lack of flexibility means that any imperfections in the substrate will lead to air gaps. By contrast, mineral wool is far easier to cut and install correctly. Its natural flexibility means it will adapt to the substrate. Where two rolls or slabs meet, the ends also ‘knit’ together, minimising gaps and maximising thermal performance.
Acoustic insulation The detrimental impact of noise pollution on people’s health has
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only just begun to be understood. However, there is now evidence to show that prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to health issues including increased stress, reduced concentration, and impaired learning.
To reduce both external and internal noise transfer, you need to increase mass, create separation, and add absorption. For example, in an internal wall, the mass comes from the plasterboard, the separation from the cavity and absorption from a noise-reducing material, such as mineral wool insulation. Open cell or fibrous materials tend to offer the best performance in reducing noise pollution.
Fire safety
Changes to the Building Regulations, the rollout of the Building Safety Act and a desire to minimise fire risk, mean that the industry is shifting towards insulation solutions that are non- combustible and provide passive fire protection.
All CE or UKCA marked insulation materials in Europe are given a Euroclass reaction to fire classification against the relevant harmonised standard. This indicates whether the material will contribute to the spread of fire, emit smoke, or produce flaming droplets. Different insulation materials can appear across the full range of classification. The majority of glass or rock mineral wool insulation will typically have an A1 or A2,s1-d0 classification, meaning they are non-combustible and will not contribute to the spread of flame.
Air quality
A greater awareness of air pollution has highlighted the need to improve air quality in all buildings. Insulation plays a key
“There is often a significant gap between the thermal performance of buildings’ design, compared to how they perform in the real world.”
role in improving air quality by helping to create dry, comfortable indoor environments.
Mould is a common problem, but its adverse health effects can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, have been fatal. However, in combination with proper ventilation, an airtight, thermally efficient building fabric can reduce the risk of mould occurring in homes.
But some types of insulation
can also help to reduce poor indoor air quality due to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). To help improve air quality for installers and occupiers, look for the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Certification, which rates products according to their VOC emissions. Products with Eurofins Gold Certification have best-in- class VOC levels that go beyond legislated standards.
Future homes Although the Future Homes Standard is yet to be fully defined, and won’t come into effect until 2025, it has set the tone for increasing standards and a focus on the real, measured performance of homes. Needs have also changed, as more people want to lower their heating bills and live in quieter, healthier homes. Builders’ merchants are well placed to help their customers achieve this by considering the wider benefits that different insulation products can offer to them. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2024
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