Cost Effective and Simple Wall Insulation System - 13.4.10
Knauf Insulation has developed the Knauf
InsulationInternal Wall Insulation
System, which simplifies the process of upgrading
solid masonry walls whilst delivering high levels of thermal
performance. The system is a highly cost effective method for
achieving increased energy efficiency for any type of
property.
The innovative glass mineral wool system for
internal insulation has been designed for upgrading existing solid
external walls quickly and easily, with minimum disruption to
occupants. The system can accommodate wall imperfections,
fixings for fittings such as radiators, and can be easily adapted
around openings such as windows and doors.
The simplicity of the IWI system allows a
competent builder to install and finish the system using a
traditional plaster skim finish or dry lining techniques. No
scaffolding is required and the system can be installed on a
room-by-room basis, or as part of a whole house refurbishment
plan.
The cost-effective system can upgrade a
property to current Building Regulation thermal standards and
beyond, consisting of composite thermally engineered studs and
insulation slabs, which can be combined to provide greater
thicknesses of thermal insulation than achievable by using a single
thickness. By internally insulating a wall, the heating time
for rooms is significantly reduced allowing comfort levels to be
quickly reached.
The use of Knauf Insulation’s IWI system
eliminates the thermal bridging issue associated with systems
incorporating timber and metal studs, making it almost thirteen per
cent more thermally efficient than traditional systems of the same
thickness. In addition, the IWI system incorporates highly
sustainable glass mineral wool insulation achieving a maximum A+
rating in the BRE Green Guide to Specification and a Euroclass A1
fire rating to BS EN 13501: Part 1.
“The new system has been specifically designed
to provide a cost effective and easy means of providing IWI. The
simplicity and ease of Knauf Insulation’s IWI system requires no
specialist skills or equipment, whilst the external appearance of
the building is maintained so the system can also be installed in
conservation areas,” comments David Khan Technical Product Manager
at Knauf Insulation.
The Knauf Insulation IWI system comprises
EcoStuds - extruded polystyrene laminated to Oriented Strand Board
(OSB), which are mechanically fixed to the internal wall. 75mm
thick Earthwool EcoBatt water repellent, high performance, glass
mineral wool slabs are friction fitted between the EcoStuds and
faced with a vapour check plasterboard sheet. Earthwool EcoBatts
fully fill the insulation zone and are in intimate contact with the
EcoStuds and plasterboard, thereby preventing any air or draught
movement through the system.
Cold bridging and surface condensation is then
minimised by fitting 27mm of Polyfoam Linerboard, a laminate of
17.5mm extruded polystyrene and 9.5mm plasterboard around all
window and door reveals. Polyfoam Linerboard (27mm) is also
installed at all party wall junctions to a minimum width of 400mm
and the full height of the rooms, in order to prevent heat loss and
the potential for condensation and mould growth in internal
corners.