Can I get a U-value calculated for my flat roofing project?
Absolutely! Please contact our freephone technical helpline on 01543 678777.
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.
Does thicker insulation always provide better thermal performance?
Increasing insulation thickness will generally increase the thermal resistance of the insulation layer, but thickness alone does not determine the thermal performance of a complete roof.
The thermal conductivity of the insulation, the other components within the roof build-up and the construction details all contribute to the final U-value.
Different insulation materials can therefore achieve similar thermal performance at different thicknesses.
This is particularly relevant where roof build-up height is restricted, because high-performance insulation can help achieve a required thermal target without simply increasing the thickness of conventional insulation.
What happens if a vacuum insulation panel is damaged?
Damage that penetrates the vacuum insulation panel can cause the vacuum to be lost, reducing its thermal performance.
For this reason, vacuum insulation panels should not be drilled, nailed or sawn.
Gradient specifically states that drilling, nailing or sawing a Vacuum Insulation Panel can cause loss of vacuum and reduce thermal performance. Deck-VQ® incorporates protective high-density PIR layers designed to provide additional protection to the vacuum panel during installation and use.
Installers should follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and avoid activities that could damage the panels.
What if I cannot provide all of the information required for thermal calculations of a specific project?
It is possible for us to make certain assumptions when performing a calculation, but this can reduce the accuracy of the final result. Assumptions are routinely made about the types of fixings to be used, but we will always try to inform you if a general figure has been used where more accurate data could affect the calculation result.
What is a Vacuum Insulation Panel or VIP?
VIP is the abbreviation of Vacuum Insulation Panel. A Vacuum Insulation Panel generally comprises a microporous core material (e.g. based on fumed silica), which is introduced into a high barrier multilayer foil envelope. The envelope is then evacuated and sealed, obtaining a near vacuum inside the envelope.
Because of the microporous core and the absence of air, excellent thermal properties are obtained. For our Vacuum Insulation Panel as such (Core-VQ®) we can declare a lambda value of 0,006 W/mK, which is typically 3-5 better than traditional insulation materials.
Vacuum Insulation Panels have already been used for several decades in high demanding applications, especially when stringent requirements for thermal insulation are set (e.g. refrigerators). As the thermal insulation of buildings has become increasingly important over the last years, Vacuum Insulation Panels have been introduced in buildings to meet the high standards.
Recticel Insulation offers the following products:
What is the difference between a U-value and an R-value?
U-values take into account all elements of a construction, including thermal bridges. They can only be worked out by calculation. The R-value, or thermal resistance, is a measure of the insulation board on its own, dividing the thickness (in metres) by the thermal conductivity (lambda value, W/m.K). The R-value can be used to compare how different thicknesses of products with different lambda values perform comparatively.
What is the difference between U-value, R-value and thermal conductivity?
U-value measures how easily heat passes through a building element such as a roof, wall or floor. It is expressed in W/m²K. A lower U-value generally indicates better thermal performance.
R-value represents the thermal resistance of a material or construction. A higher R-value indicates greater resistance to heat flow.
Thermal conductivity, represented by the Greek letter λ (lambda), describes how readily heat passes through a material. It is expressed in W/mK. A lower lambda value generally indicates a material with better insulating properties.
Importantly, the U-value of a roof is determined by the performance of the complete construction, not simply the lambda value of the insulation product.
What is vacuum insulation and how does it work?
Vacuum insulation panels, or VIPs, are high-performance insulation panels designed to provide a high level of thermal resistance within a relatively small thickness.
Gradient's VIP technology uses a core based on pyrogenic silica enclosed within a gas-tight multilayer film. The panel is then protected within a high-density, pressure-resistant PIR casing in the Deck-VQ® system.
The vacuum and core structure significantly reduce heat transfer through the insulation, allowing very high thermal performance from a relatively thin panel.
Vacuum insulation is particularly useful where there is insufficient space to accommodate the thickness of conventional insulation.