Architect and Builder June 2020 | Page 12

Creating Innovative Solutions As well as bringing tried and tested products to South Africa, Knauf Insulation has launched three new products specifically for the market. Ceiling Roll (Multi Pack) is a twoin-one Glass Mineral Wool insulation roll that can be installed in layers either 50mm or 100mm thick. It has been developed to compete with polyester (PET) insulation for ceiling applications. It has a superior thermal performance and crucially, Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, so provides far better fire safety than plastic-based PET products. The second, Ceiling Roll (Combicut) features pre-cut perforations at 800mm/400mm and 600mm for use with 760mm and 600mm joist centres. The perforations allow for faster, more precise installation without cutting or measuring. Finally, Acoustic Batt has been developed for customers who prefer to use insulation slabs for internal partitions rather than rolls. It is designed for use in internal partition walls and intermediate floors to reduce the transmission of noise between rooms. 100mm Acoustic Batt has Adding insulation to cavity walls reduces energy consumption by 70% a calculated Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) value of 1.04. With insulation, good installation is key to real world performance. The company’s Mineral Wool rolls and slabs are easy to install and have a fibrous structure that compresses. This means insulation will adapt to the substrate and knit tightly together preventing air gaps and breaks that can reduce thermal and acoustic performance. Knauf Insulation Cavity Batt being installed Caring for People and the Environment All of Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool products contain up to 80% recycled glass and are manufactured using ECOSE® Technology, its unique bio-based binder, which binds the strands of mineral wool together. It contains no added formaldehyde or phenols, which makes the insulation pleasant to touch, easy to handle, low in VOCs and robust and durable. ECOSE® Technology is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. As a result, Mineral Wool manufactured with ECOSE® Technology can contribute to points in green building rating systems, such as BREEAM and LEED. The company has also invested in industry-leading compression packaging technology, which means there is more product per pack. This means contractors require less storage space, and less carrying and handling compared to other products. Knauf Insulation offers high performance insulation solutions for commercial buildings Conclusion As South African architects, builders and contractors adapt to the sustainability challenge, there’s one thing they can rely on – that Knauf Insulation’s high performance Mineral Wool insulation will help to mitigate against future rising energy costs. What’s more, they’ll provide occupants with safer, quieter and more comfortable living and working. And that is something that will make the finished property more marketable too. www.knaufinsulation.co.za 1 Research by the Clay Brick Association and the University of Pretoria 12 Company Watch