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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 . |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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In air leakage terms, the first
UK trial showed just how effective the Vario system is –
delivering 5.8m³/m²/hr @ 50P compared to acceptable market
average of 10m³/m²/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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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.” |
