KNAUF INSULATION LAUNCHES NEW EWI SYSTEM: THERMOSHELL - 8.03.11
Responding to the need to upgrade the energy efficiency of the
existing UK building stock, Knauf Insulation is launching its
ThermoShell External Wall Insulation (EWI) system, as an effective
method for upgrading solid masonry walls whilst delivering high
levels of thermal performance.
Knauf Insulation’s ThermoShell EWI System is a cost effective
solid wall solution that avoids any internal disruption, so it is
particularly ideal for large residential properties, flats and
office buildings, where installing internal wall insulation is not
an option.
The system has been designed for the lifetime of the property,
protecting the existing façade from the effects of weathering and
extending the longevity of the building. Installing the
ThermoShell system also provides the opportunity to enhance and
upgrade the appearance of existing properties. The flexibility of
Knauf Insulation’s EWI system means it can be installed over a
variety of existing substrates from brick and stonework and
concrete, to clay blockwork.
The cost-effective system can upgrade a property to current
Building Regulation thermal standards and beyond, drastically
reducing carbon dioxide emissions and in turn helping to
significantly lower energy bills.
Knauf Insulation’s EWI offering is available in two system
versions, one that incorporates rock mineral wool and the other
using grey expanded polystyrene (EPS), depending upon the
specification requirements of the property under
consideration.
ThermoShell comprises 10mm hand or machine applied bonding
mortar, with either rock mineral wool or EPS insulation fixed with
mechanical fixings. The insulation is then coated with a
5-7mm layer of reinforcing mortar, which can be applied by either
hand or machine. One of the most important elements of the
system, is an alkali resistant glass fibre mesh (minimum of
165g/m2) which is installed for protection with a
minimum overlap of 100mm. A quartz sand aqueous primer is then
applied over the top providing superior adhesion before lastly
putting a topcoat render over the entire system.
Gary Peacey, EWI Development Manager at Knauf Insulation
explains: “There are approximately seven million solid wall
construction dwellings in the UK. In order for the Government
to reach it’s Kyoto obligations in carbon reduction then all of
these dwellings will require thermally upgrading by 2050. Knauf
Insulation’s Internal Wall Insulation System along with their
External Wall Insulation System are the ideal solutions for
upgrading existing solid wall constructions and in particular for
buildings requiring a hybrid solution.”
“Both systems give developers and installers alike greater
choice and flexibility in specifying the right application for
improving thermal efficiencies, to suit the particular project
requirements.”
-ENDS-