Product category:
Insulation
News Release from: Saint-Gobain Isover UK | Subject: Intelligent climate membrane
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 October 2007
New air and moisture management membrane
Saint-Gobain Isover intelligent climate membrane developed for timber frame construction delivers exceptional benefits for air leakage control, moisture management and protection against toxic fumes.
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
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 30 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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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.
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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 5.8m/m/hr @ 50P compared to acceptable market average of 10m/m/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.".
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