New cellular glass insulation system

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Apr 11, 2005

Pittsburgh Corning UK launch new cellular glass insulation system for ventilated facade and rain screen cladding systems

Pittsburgh Corning UK, manufacturers of FOAMGLAS cellular glass insulation, announces the introduction of the FOAMGLAS W and F FACADE insulation system produced especially for use with ventilated facade rain screen cladding systems.

When designing systems of this type, there are three major factors which need to be taken into consideration.

These are the effects of moisture, fire and avoidance of cold bridging.

It is generally accepted that 1% of moisture up-take in an insulation can reduce its lambda value by 30%.

An insulation resistant to the effects of moisture is therefore essential.

To ensure the integrity of the system as a whole requires the use of a non-combustible insulant to ensure safety and fire protection to the building structure.

The avoidance or reduction of cold bridges is another important factor as up to 20% of a building's energy efficiency can be lost as a result of cold bridging.

The new FOAMGLAS W and F insulation is manufactured from pure glass and has a totally closed cell construction.

It is therefore totally impervious to the effects of water and water vapour, as well as being completely non-combustible, Euro-Class A1 - no contribution to fire.

The FOAMGLAS W and F facade system minimises cold bridges as all joints are fully sealed and there are no mechanical fasteners to penetrate the layer.

The thermal insulation value of the system will remain constant for the lifetime of the building.

FOAMGLAS cellular glass insulation remains totally dimensionally stable without warping or sagging and will not slip and block the rear ventilation space.

It is the combination of these qualities that make it both an economic and ecological solution for the insulation of facade cladding systems.

A fully detailed brochure is available from Pittsburgh Corning showing how the system will work under a wide range of external cladding options and copies are freely available on request.