Design Buy Build Issue 38 2019 | Page 85

2 x quarter pages2.pdf 1 03/12/2018 Insulation 12:47:59 NEW! Loft Lid Downlight Cover from Loft Leg C M Y CM MY CY CMY K The Loft Lid downlight cover eliminates heat loss and air leakage into the loft space. It creates an air tight seal around downlights and allows a continuous layer of insulation to be safely laid over the top to comply with current building regulations. The Loft Lid is designed and manufactured in the UK and has been tested to EN60695 and EN60598 by the UK Lighting Industry Association. www.loftleg.com Alternative insulation materials – polyurethane foam for better insulation Polyurethane foam can be used as a high performing insulant for all types of new build or refurbishment project to meet or exceed today’s standards. It is also widely used by architects and specifiers for remodelling purposes, for instance in barn conversions. When used for airtightness or stabilisation under the roof or within the cavity it outperforms most other materials. It is particularly cost-effective and easy to apply to a wide variety of substrates. Its closed-cell nature renders it very resistant to moisture ingress and grades are available which achieve both Class 1 and Class 0 fire ratings when tested to BS 476 Part 7 and 6 respectively. The urethane foam can be applied in any thickness to suit the insulation requirements of the building. The sprayed or injected foam is not just an insulant – it can be used for stabilisation purposes, for instance to hold tiles in place for a stronger roof structure or to take the place of failing cavity wall ties. The material can often be used when other materials are simply not suitable. The material is so versatile that it can be used in many different situations from buildings to boats! The trade association for the sprayed and injected polyurethane foam industry is the British Urethane Foam Contractors Association. BUFCA is a central resource for the application of polyurethane foam systems. The association consists of polyurethane foam installers operating to high standards, together with material and equipment suppliers. The polyurethane insulant is a two- component liquid system which produces a highly-efficient blanket of insulation with an exceptional thermal conductivity figure. Polyurethane foam can be installed to help meet Building Regulations as wall insulation, roof insulation, floor insulation or to fill voids and other areas providing a seamless, 85 thermal insulation barrier. Other jointed systems give rise to a potentially weak point, leading to a significant loss of insulation value. The foam also slows the deterioration of tile/slates by frost. On the underside of the covering frost damage is eliminated. On the weather side the frequency of the freezing/ thawing cycle is reduced. Slates and tiles will be less prone to damage by impact as the foam distributes the forces. When choosing a BUFCA registered installer, architects, builders, and specifiers can be assured of the highest standards of quality and service. www.bufca.co.uk.