Choosing an Insulant

There are three main types of insulation:

Thermoplastic - Used with Direct Applied Render Protected Systems

• EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) rigid, flame retardant cellular, plastic insulation. Cost-effective non-toxic, highly vapour resistant, practical in use, CFC and HCFC free. Lambda value 0.036 - 0.040 W/mK.
• Extruded, cellular plastic insulation extruded from polystyrene. Closed cell insulant, water/vapour tight, CFC and HCFC free. Particularly useful below DPC. Lambda value 0.027 W/mK

Inorganic Mineral Fibre - Used with Direct Applied and Ventilated Rainscreen Systems.

• RockFibre (slab) Manufactured from molten rock into filaments, bonded into slabs and compressed to the required density. Non-combustible, highly vapour permeable, popular for multi-storey. CFC and HCFC Free. Lambda value 0.33 - 0.36 W/mK
• Lamella Rock mineral wool cut into strips and turned through 90o so that the fibres lie at right angles to the insulation surface. Provides high compressive strength. CFC and HCFC Free. Lambda value 0.039 - 0.041 W/mK. Used for adhesive only fixing.

Thermoset - Used with Direct Applied Render Protected Systems. provides high compressive strength. Lambda value 0.039 - 0.041 w/mK

• PIR (Polyisocyanurate) Cellular plastic foam. Low K insulant, vapour tight. CFC and HCFC free grades are available. Lambda value 0.025 - 0.028 W/mK
• Phenolic Rigid cellular foam. Low K insulant, vapour tight, good fire qualities, CFC and HCFC free grades are available. Lambda value 0.018 - 0.019 W/mK.