Alumaflex thermal multi-foil insulation, for walls and roofs. Easy to install, great for timber frame, loft and barn conversions
Loft Conversions & Timber Frame Buildings - The Benefits of Multi-Foil Insulation Explained
What are the advantages of using multi-foil insulation and how can you benefit?
If you decide to use multi-foil thermal insulation when carrying out a loft conversion, compared to the more traditional materials on the market, multi-foils can easily reduce insulation thickness and save space inside the building. This would be of the upmost importance, for example in loft conversions where you would hope to maintain head room.
By applying a multi-foil thermal insulation that has been specifically designed for loft conversions, head room in the interior of the structure will have been slightly increased, and the work to be carried out will have been cut back to 3 easy operations. As a matter of fact, if you then decided to implement an insulated plasterboard with the plasterboard and foam already bonded it would reduce this task to just 2 easy operations. Nasty time consuming tasks for instance battening the rafters, installing glass wool which needs a protective mask, or having to cut boards for the gaps between the rafters are no longer necessary. The findings of an independent assessment by a chartered quantity surveyor advocate the multi-foil option might provide a 30 percent cutback of hours spent on labour in comparison to the decision to use polyurethane boards.
When considering timber frame constructions, the multi-foil is fitted inside the timber studs, then, plaster boarded & battened thus providing you with a vapour barrier, as well as an air space and cavity to enable completion of services. Glass wool or rigid board is fixed in between studs, giving you the required U value.
The benefits are, timber stud sizes can be reduced and the required U value is still achieved. Alternatively, stud size can be maintained but even lower U values achieved.
This exceptional product, the breathable multi-foil, includes multi-foil insulation and a tile under-lay, and is installed above existing insulation, by way of example when upgrading or renovating a roof, with no condensation risk. Multi-foil insulation materials, which have been through standard method testing by UKAS accredited bodies in the UK, have a role to play in both new build and refurbishment projects. Producers are creating unique multi-foil insulation items that are likely to play an increasing role as demands for multi-foil thermal insulation efficiency rise.
Alumaflex Multi-Foil Insulation Q&A
Your Multi-Foil questions answered by Alumaflex, experts in insulation.
Q1. Why should I use a multi-foil tested by a UKAS accredited body?
A. These tests provide peace of mind to users, insurers, regulators and designers.
Q2. What U-Values should i expect to obtain?
A. U-Values obtained will vary – the higher the R-Value for the multi-foil the lower the U-Value will be obtained. To make sure that walls and roofs using multi-foils meet Building Regulations.
Q3. Can Alumaflex multi-foil be used on its own?
A. Alumaflex Multi-foil can be used on its own but would need additional insulation within the roof and wall construction, in order to meet the current U-Values required under the latest Building Regulations Part L 2010.
Q4. Can I use two layers of Alumaflex multi-foil?
A. Yes you can, however a 25mm airspace would be required between the two layers.
Q5. Is the use of multi-foils allowed by all Building Control Bodies?
A. Yes, if the product is tested by a UKAS accredited body, the builder can be assured that the multi-foil will be accepted by the local building control.
Q6. What thickness of additional insulation is required to achieve the necessary U-Value?
A. Target U-Values will vary as they depend upon the detail and nature of the project. Therefore its always advisable to check with either the multi-foil manufacturer, the Building Inspector, or the architect.
For more information on how multi-foils perform against other types of thermal insulation please call Alumaflex on 01621 776252 or email [email protected]. Follow Alumaflex on Twitter.
Thermal Insulation for Walls and Roofs
We have taken the time to write a list of helpful pointers you may wish to consider regarding wall insulation and loft insulation. A good thermal multi-foil insulation could save you hundreds of pounds!
As we all know the cost of running gas central heating can be a worrying one, nevertheless we still have to use it. It can be more beneficial to wait and use it when the really cold weather kicks in. A further way of saving the pennies and the energy is to ensure that the gas is on a timer. For instance, if the children are at school all day, and you are at work, there is no point having your heating switched on during that period. Suggestions: set the timer for the heating to come on 30 minutes before the household rises first thing, up until 10 minutes before everybody leaves. Then set the timer again for 10 minutes before everybody gets home and leave on for around two hours, and as an option set it for an hour in the evening.
An electric heating system is equally expensive, however, the same rule applies. Avoid constant use, and as far as the small electric heaters, they use a lot of energy but the heat output is minimal… so give these a wide berth.
The original functional fireplace is a feature that many of you love, and others could have had fireplaces re-opened or even installed. They may find although they look incredibly stylish, they send a lot of heat up through the chimney, and you are not going to get much benefit from heat produced unless you are right in front of the fireplace –which can be very dangerous, also annoying other chilly household members. An open fire place can appear romantic, but they are far from practical nowadays. If your fireplace is so much loved you find you cannot block it up, or maybe refuse to leave it redundant you should consider thinking about installing a blower insert, which will blow the generated hot air back into the room.
However, there are ways to ensure heat retention At the top of your shopping list should be insulation. This could be a multi-foil insulation or a variety of thermal insulation. If your home does not have full if you dont have insulation for loft, timber frame, roof or wall, then it is most certainly an outlay that is worth investing in, as in time, you will save energy and money. If one thing sticks in your mind from your time spent in science class, let it be that heat rises. So any heat from your home will disappear through your roof – taking both your energy and cash with it. It certainly is worth checking out the thermal insulation within your loft. Building Regulations recommend loft thermal insulation to be a thickness of 270mm, with the most effective thickness recorded to be 350mm. Multi-foil insulation is perfect for this job.
Now, what about your windows? Are your windows fully double glazed? Have they been sealed? Ensure that you have for the winter months, heavy window coverage. Door draft excluders are also a great way to inhibit colder air from creeping in to rooms and halls. They also help to visually remind you of the benefits of doors kept closed and heat locked in.
Have a look around your house and feel for any drafts, this will show you a good indication of area which may be a problem. You may find that some drafts might just need sealing or plastering over, some may indicate that improvements need to be carried out to your insulation. Also closing vents in rooms that you are not regularly using.
If you have all of the above covered, then you will be looking forward to a cosy winter… especially if you have an emergency hot water bottle, fluffy slippers and a blanket at the ready just in case!!!
