VACUUM INSULATION FINISHING
VACUUM INSULATION FINISHING
By Chris Knowles, Business Manager VIPS, Recticel?Insulation
Roof terraces are an increasingly popular option for developers looking to optimise living space, particularly in densely populated urban areas where suitable building space is becoming more costly the scarcer it becomes. However, such property schemes still need to meet regulatory levels of thermal performance, which means specifying insulation that also remains within door and window height thresholds. Recticel Insulation’s ultra-thin vacuum insulation panel (VIP) insulation, Deck VQ? achieves each of these requirements. But what considerations should be given when using the panels as part of a waterproofing system to attain the perfect finish??
Vacuum insulation: Do’s and don’ts for perfect processing and finishing
Many vacuum insulation panels on the market lack protection on all sides, leaving them susceptible to damage. Due to the nature of an exposed “core” VIP this damage can occur during transport, storage and installation. Simply opening the packaging or general foot traffic during construction could cause puncture or penetration, causing catastrophic damage making the insulation unusable due to the severe impact this would have on the thermal performance. These issues are eradicated with Deck-VQ?, leading us to our first ‘do’: use protected vacuum insulation such as Deck-VQ?. Deck-VQ is fully encased in high-density PIR offering increased protection to the core which prevents it from being damaged. Our Deck-VQ? board has an ultimate compressive strength of 150 kPa.
2. Don’t: cut, saw or drill. Do: follow the laying plan
Even if using encased vacuum insulation such as Deck-VQ?, do not cut, saw or drill through it. Follow our bespoke installation plan for insulating the roof or roof terrace. Its design has been optimised with as many vacuum insulation panels as possible in the standard sizes. At lead-throughs or edges you should insulate with the prescribed polyisocyanurate (PIR) infill insulation into which you can saw, cut and drill.
Do: follow the laying plan. The coloured panels on the plan are the vacuum insulation panels in the various standard sizes. The grey areas are insulated with infill insulation. The plan has been optimised with Deck-VQ? vacuum insulation boards. (use graphic supplied by Recticel Belgium)
3. Don’t: mechanically fix. Do: glue or ballast!
Recticel Insulation's Deck-VQ? vacuum insulation can be glued or ballasted, as the panels cannot be drilled through or mechanically fixed. Ensure the vacuum insulation panels are securely fixed with the correct adhesive or with sufficient ballast so that the insulation can withstand the wind load. For a wind load calculation, please contact the waterproofing provider or an engineering firm.
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4. Felt roofing? Don’t: torch directly. Do: use a venting layer
Are you using a torch-applied felt waterproofing? If so, first lay a self-adhesive venting layer to the Deck-VQ insulation panels. When laying the cap sheet, ensure the flame stays on the roll of felt being applied and not on the venting layer. Doing so could cause the self-adhesive layer to vulcanise.
5. Don’t: forget the air and vapour control layer (AVCL). Do: always keep the insulation dry
The vacuum insulation should be protected from contact with moisture. Therefore, ensure that the insulation is kept dry until it’s installed. When installing the panels always place an AVCL over the roof deck before installing the vacuum panels themselves. Don’t forget to close off the AVCL to prevent moisture bypass which could cause condensation in the roof build-up. Once the panels have been installed, they should be protected by the selected waterproofing method, this includes night joints where needed. Do not install more insulation than you can cover in one day.
6. Do: combine compatible materials
It is vital to work with roofing materials that are compatible, discussing proposals with the waterproofing system provider can help avoid risk of incorrect membrane specification.
7. Don’t: screed on top of insulation. Do: Use pedestal supports
Vacuum insulation is often used in paved or tiled roof terraces. However, bedding tiles in a screed or mortar bed will cause cracking, as the screed is both subject to greater temperature fluctuations and is unable to move to accommodate settling in the construction.
The solution is to build the terrace with tiles or paving slabs on pedestal supports and there is a wide selection available. Choosing an adjustable support will allow you to fit a flat and level terrace which can take into account the fall on the roof.
Peace of mind
Innovative solutions such as Deck VQ? are crucial to ensuring attractive roof terraces remain protected against water ingress whilst ensuring a building’s thermal integrity. Additional peace of mind for developer and contractor is provided by a range of technical support which remains key to Recticel’s service offering, ensuring installation success each time its ultra-thin, superbly strong VIP panels are put to use.?