Are thermal calculations done in the same way for all building elements?
Generally speaking, yes - all calculations are done by the 'combined method'. However, ground floors differ slightly from other building elements in the information that is required. If requesting a calculation for a ground floor, please ensure that you provide a floor area and length of the exposed perimeter (i.e. the length of new floor along outside-facing walls). This allows us to calculate a perimeter/area ratio, which is crucial in the floor calculation.
Can a breather membrane be laid directly over insulation boards?
Different breather membrane manufacturers have different guidelines for their products, and these should always be consulted prior to installation. It may be possible to lay the breather membrane on the insulation, but with a counter batten airspace above.
If you would like to discuss application of any specific project, please contact our Technical Services.
Can I get a U-value calculated for my flat roofing project?
Absolutely! Please contact our freephone technical helpline on 01543 678777.
Can I recess cables into PIR insulation boards?
Cables should not be recessed into the insulation boards. They may be laid between two layers of boards with the cabling oversized to accommodate for an increase in operating temperature. If cables penetrate an insulation layer, PIR will have no detrimental effect on cable sheathing.
Further guidance on the above should be obtained from a qualified electrician.
Can I walk on Deck-VQ® vacuum insulation panels?
Yes, this is possible due to the protection layers in high density PIR and the compressive strength of 150 kPa (CS(10\Y)150). Deck-VQ® is suitable for application in flat roofs and terraces, subject to light foot traffic.
As for every type of insulation, we recommend to limit the foot traffic during installation to a minimum and apply the waterproofing as soon as possible after installation. It is best practice to only install the area you are able to insulate AND waterproof in one day.
Can you drill, nail or saw into a Vacuum Insulation Panel?
No, because these actions will lead to the loss of vacuum in the VIP and reduce the thermal performance by a factor of three*.
Our Deck-VQ® concept offers an optimum protection to prevent most damage on site. (see “What is the difference between Deck-VQ® and a Vacuum Insulation Panel?”).
Our technical services provide guidance and deliver a detailed design for your project.
Do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
*The thermal conductivity of the core material rises to ca. 0,020 W/mK under ambient pressure.
How is polyurethane ecological?
We do everything we can to reduce CO emissions2, but the core of our insulation products is also truly made of environmentally friendly materials.
Eco-friendly synthetic materials may seem strange to you, but with PU insulation, you will save 400 times more energy than they require for their production in 75 years. In short, a good thing for nature.
Sustainable development takes on its full meaning with Recticel Insulation polyurethane insulation:
not only does polyurethane insulation have a very high thermal performance that does not deteriorate over time, but Recticel Insulation polyurethane insulation also significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the insulation.
The proof by four:
1 - The least energy-intensive of all factory-made insulation is polyurethane insulation.
2 – Thinner and more efficient: With the same thermal performance, Recticel Insulation panels are up to 2 times thinner and 5 times lighter.
This reduces the quantities produced and so does the energy required.®
3 – Less bulky for better efficiency: This means fewer trucks to transport them.
4 – Less heavy: CO emissions2 are considerably reduced.
The ecological impact is controlled at all levels and the environment is better preserved.
We need to consume less energy:
Fossil resources such as oil are practically exhausted.
That is why we are advocating for the rational use of this oil.
In concrete terms: we need to burn less oil and use it to produce PU, the high-performance material of which our insulation materials are made.
Today, 96% of oil is used in the form of fuels.
The remaining 4% is processed into synthetic materials, of which only 0.08% is PU.
This is very unfortunate when you know that PU insulation saves 400 times more energy than it requires for its production.
The RECTICEL group acts at the international level, in all its businesses, for the protection of the environment.
How should I store Insulation boards?
Our boards are supplied in polythene shrink wrap which is designed for short-term protection only. It is accepted that storing boards indoors is not always possible – when outdoor storage is necessary, boards should be stored clear of the ground, on a level surface, and under cover to protect them from prolonged exposure to moisture or mechanical damage.
Speak to our technical experts
How thick do I need to insulate?
We recommend that you seek advice from your architect, designer, energy assessor etc. to determine the appropriate insulation thickness. If you already know the desired performance, you can contact our Technical Services team for U-value calculations or look up the required R-value and corresponding thickness in the technical datasheet.
The cleanest energy for heating and cooling, is the energy you do not have to use. That is why we recommend to insulate a flat roof to a higher standard than the minimum requirement. We recommend a minimum of 45 mm Deck-VQ® (Lambda (λ) = 0,009 W/mK) for renovation and 60 mm (Lambda (λ) = 0,008 W/mK) for new build.
Speak with our technical experts
What air gap is required between insulation and breather membrane?
This should be confirmed in the membrane manufacturer's BBA certificate, though 25mm to 50mm is typical.