Walls

Walls Insulation and housewrap

Wall insulation and housewraps play a crucial role in creating a thermally efficient building envelope that can help significantly increase the energy efficiency of a new building or refurbishment project. The function of this insulation type is to create a thermal barrier that reduces the rate at which heat flows from a heated space. The housewrap also effectively prevents moisture from entering the walls and insulation. A combination of the two solutions creates a highly effective protective barrier for external walls that can be used with various cladding or siding solutions.

Housewrap

Modern polypropylene housewrap membranes replace older solutions that used asphalt paper. The new materials are lighter and more durable yet create a highly effective vapour permeable membrane used in framed wall construction. The membrane also acts as a secondary barrier to liquid, debris, some pollutants and moisture.

 Benefits of housewrap for walls

•  Breathable
• Weather resistant vapour permeable barrier
• Lightweight and flexible

Insulation

There are several materials that can be used for insulation. To achieve the best results, insulation specification should reflect the U-value required for the building as a whole and all relevant design considerations for the project. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation boards are commonly used with timber frame construction and masonry cavity walls as their low thermal conductivity help reduce the thickness of the walls whilst achieving the same U-value as thicker alternatives. Insulation can improve the acoustic performance and the indoor air quality (IAQ) in a building but importantly, it plays a vital role in creating highly energy efficient buildings. This helps to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Benefits of wall insulation

• Improves thermal performance
• Increases energy efficiency of a building
• Reduces carbon footprint of a building

IKO products are manufactured in the UK from responsibly, and where possible, locally sourced materials in order to reduce our carbon footprint and help with the sustainability of your project.