Saint-Gobain Isover - Pioneers 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.co.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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