Isover - ultimate air and moisture management membrane
Saint-Gobain Isover is reinforcing its reputation for
innovation with the launch of a unique intelligent
climate membrane specifically developed for timber frame
construction which delivers exceptional benefits for air
leakage control, moisture management and protection
against toxic fumes, and is designed as a complete
system to deliver ease of installation.
The company is best known for its range of roof, wall
and floor insulation products, which already includes
systems for timber-framed buildings, so this latest
innovation is taking the existing product offer to a new
level of complete system solution offering.
Based on polyamide rather than polyethylene as
conventional vapour barriers are, the Vario climate
membrane intelligently adapts to changing climatic
conditions. German-engineered, it has an exclusive
world-wide patent and has been extensively used and
proven in Europe and Scandinavia.
Already in the UK, a number of building projects have
trialled the new system and it has been specified on
several others including schools.
Polyethylene vapour barriers are widely used on the
inside of timber-framed buildings to protect the timber
parts from humidity which can cause mould. However these
are incapable of reacting to the varying climatic
conditions. Moisture already contained in the structure
can therefore get trapped
The Vario climate membrane acts like human skin. In the
winter, when relative humidity and temperature reduce,
the micropores of the membrane close, preventing vapour
from the warm interior diffusing into the timber
structure and so protecting against potentially damaging
interstitial condensation. In the summer, when relative
humidity and temperature increase, the membrane’s
micropores open, allowing vapour to escape and diffuse
harmlessly into the building interior.
The Vario system has been designed to help timber breath
and dry naturally, giving complete moisture control
management, and is expected to help contractors improve
build times since there is no longer is the requirement
for them to wait for wet timber to dry out.
The Vario system comprises purpose designed tapes and
sealants as well as the climate membrane. As a complete
system, Vario helps specifiers to meet and exceed the
airtightness focus of Part L of the new Building
Regulations as well as the standards imposed by the
Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes.
In air leakage terms, the first UK trial showed just how
effective the Vario system is – delivering 5.8m³/m²/hr @
50P compared to acceptable market average of 10m³/m²/hr.
In Europe where the system has been extensively used, it
has consistently achieved air leakage rates of less than
3m3/h/m2 defined as best practice by the Energy Saving
Trust.
The system includes the Vario KM Duplex membrane itself,
for ventilated and non-ventilated roofs and walls, Vario
KB1 one sided adhesive tape, Vario Powerflex tape for
details, and Vario DS Sealant, a permanent elastic
sealant for connection to ceilings and walls.
As well as moisture and airtightness management the
unique structure of Vario KM Duplex also prevents the
ingress of potentially toxic fumes and gases,
particularly important when converting spaces or in
older dwellings where the preservatives to treat timbers
may not be known.
The Vario KM Duplex membrane is also resistant to
damaging UV light as well installable in a vast range of
temperatures, from -400C to +80oC, increasing shelf life
and giving an all-weather installed benefit.
A form of life insurance for timber-frame buildings,
Vario rolls are easily installed and sized to fit the
typical dimensions of timber frames as well as being
easily handleable and can also be used to refurbish
existing roofs and walls and line loft extensions.
Isover’s head of innovation Gerry Mitchell said: “Vario
contributes to long-term energy savings and
sustainability is a key focus in our business. And while
it not only looks to meet tomorrow’s demands as well as
today’s regulations, it is another example of our
expertise as total solutions provider.
Email:
tracy@tlcpr.cp.uk
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd
Hill Farm, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AL
Tel : 01622 745333
news@buildingdesign.co.uk
Registered in England and Wales No. 07334149
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