Thermal Insulation
(85 Products)Thermal Insulation solutions provide high-performance thermal resistance for the entire building envelope, designed to significantly reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency. This range includes specialized boards and flexible layers compatible with floors, walls, and roofs to ensure compliance with stringent thermal building regulations.
Understanding Thermal Insulation
Thermal insulation is a critical component in modern construction, engineered to retain heat within a structure during winter and prevent solar gain during summer. By creating a continuous thermal barrier, these materials minimize thermal bridging and reduce the energy required to maintain comfortable internal temperatures. The products available address specific heat loss challenges, from solid masonry walls to ventilated roof spaces.
The selection of thermal materials focuses on low thermal conductivity (lambda values), allowing for thinner installations without compromising on $U$-value targets. Whether upgrading an existing property or insulating a new build, these materials provide the structural integrity and fire performance required for long-term building safety and comfort.
Material Range
- Rigid PIR Boards: High-efficiency foil-faced polyisocyanurate panels, featuring solutions such as Celotex GA4000 and Recticel Eurodeck for versatile use in floors and roofs.
- Cavity Wall Insulation: Specialized glass mineral wool and PIR options designed for moisture resistance, including Knauf Dritherm 37 and Kingspan TW50 partial fill boards.
- Phenolic Insulation: Premium performance rigid foam with ultra-low thermal conductivity, featuring the Kingspan Kooltherm range for applications where space is at a premium.
- Multifoil Insulation: Reflective, multi-layered blankets designed to combat radiant heat transfer, featuring products like SuperFOIL and Actis Triso-Super 10.
Performance Benefits
- Thermal Efficiency: Exceptionally low thermal conductivity to meet and exceed Part L of the Building Regulations.
- Durability: Materials engineered to maintain thermal performance for the design life of the building without settling or degrading.
- Moisture Management: Specific compositions that resist water absorption or manage vapour transfer to protect the building fabric.
- Compliance: All products are manufactured to rigorous British and European standards for fire safety and environmental impact.
Product Comparison
- PIR Boards: A versatile all-rounder with a typical lambda value of 0.022 W/mK, ideal for floors and roofs due to its high compressive strength.
- Kingspan Kooltherm (Phenolic): The thinnest profile option with a superior value of 0.019 W/mK, specifically designed for space-critical areas where maximum R-values are needed.
- DriTherm (Mineral Wool): A non-combustible solution for full-fill cavities, offering $\lambda$ values between 0.032 - 0.037 W/mK and excellent acoustic damping.
- Multifoil: A flexible, reflective material that is best for refurbishments and tight roof spaces where traditional rigid boards are difficult to install.
Typical Applications
- Cavity Wall Infill: Full or partial fill installation to prevent heat loss through external masonry.
- Underfloor Insulation: Rigid board placement beneath screeds or between timber joists.
- Pitch Roof Sarking: Continuous insulation over or between rafters to create warm roof environments.
- Internal Wall Lining: Improving the thermal profile of solid walls using high-performance phenolic or PIR boards.
Specification & Standards
- BS EN 13165: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made rigid polyurethane foam (PU) products.
- BS EN 13166: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made phenolic foam (PF) products.
- BS EN 13162: Factory made mineral wool (MW) products.
Related Materials and Construction Uses
Thermal insulation is a core element of a broader insulation strategy. These materials are typically integrated with vapour control layers (VCLs) to prevent interstitial condensation and breather membranes to allow moisture to escape from the structure.
For optimal performance, these products are used alongside specialised fixings such as insulation hangers, masonry wall ties, and foil tapes to ensure a continuous air-tight seal. When properly combined with fire-rated cavity barriers and acoustic sealants, they form a comprehensive envelope that protects the building's structural integrity while ensuring superior occupant comfort.
Frequently Asked Thermal Insulation Questions
What Is Thermal Conductivity?
The term thermal conductivity refers to the degree to which a material conducts heat. It is measured in watts per meter-Kelvin (W/mK). The higher the thermal conductivity of a material, the worse it performs as an insulator.
PIR insulation has one of the lowest thermal conductivity values on the market. Each PIR board has a thermal value of 0.022 W/mK.
What Is the Best Thermal Insulation For Floors?
PIR insulation is one of the best thermal insulation choices for under laminate flooring. PIR boards are rigid, lightweight, and resistant to water. They also have high compressive strength, which means that they will not become misshapen or less effective over time.
As well as being an effective thermal insulator, PIR is also easy to cut to size with a simple utility knife - no complicated industry tools necessary.
What Is the Best Thermal Insulation For Walls?
Walls are one of a property's main heat-loss culprits with approximately 35% of heat escaping through uninsulated walls. It is for this reason that walls are usually the first places we target when insulating a property with the aim of improving its thermal resistance.
On top of comfort and temperature regulation, insulation can be used as a measure to reduce heating bills and CO2 emissions.
Whilst most insulation boards are good thermal insulators, the type of material you choose to insulate your walls will depend on a number of other factors.
For example, if acoustic insulation is your main concern when insulating internal walls, Rockwool RWA45 acoustic slabs. Whereas people who are after a reliable thermal solution for cavity wall insulation might choose PIR Insulation or Phenolic Insulation, for their excellent thermal properties.
How to Install Thermal Insulation?
There is no one size fits all answer to this question. The installation method depends on where you are going to install the insulation, and what form of insulation you are installing.
For those, looking to install Celotex, we have a handy guide on installation. Always consult a professional before undertaking the installation of the insulation yourself.
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