Insulate Magazine Issue 10

Insulate Debate
The only independent insulation industry trade magazine
It combines the benefits of traditional roofs and
off-site roofs while minimising the downsides of
both, constructed off-site to tighter tolerances
and higher standards.
Modular Systems Calling Time
On Traditional Building Techniques
Off-site construction fits the current requirement for houses being built with speed,
cost-efficiency, the environment - and most importantly - quality, in mind. With the
UK’s housing crisis requiring urgent address, building processes such as this could be
key to property supply keeping pace with demand. Indeed, a study by the Modular Building
Institute found modular construction techniques mean a building can be completed ready for
occupation 50% faster than using traditional on-site methods.
Each panel combines breather membrane, counter
battens and roof timber which are prefabricated
offsite in one insulation product. The panel
edges are rebated to form a shiplap joint, therefore
once installed and fixed, the potential air gaps
and cold bridges found in a traditional roof are all
but eliminated.
All this performance within a single system makes
life simpler for specifiers and architects. The versatile
design allows for a much faster installation
with the potential for a standard-style roof to be
watertight within just four hours of the product
arriving on site. Available in five different lengths
up to 6.5m, L-Ments panels can be lengthened
beyond this by joining on an intermediate purlin.
Off-Site More than Speed
The growing popularity in prefabricated
solutions isn’t solely based on speed,
however. Off-site manufacture makes for safer
on-site working conditions as it requires
fewer staff and less machinery to install. Modular
solutions can also reduce the potential impact
of bad weather on build times, whilst faster
weatherproofing of structures will reduce delays
for internal trades.
The off-site option offers greater flexibility,
providing buildings that can be reconfigured more
easily to suit changing requirements. Another major
benefit is reduced waste, as according to a UK
Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP)
report, off-site construction generates up to 90%
less discarded material, emphasising its cost-effectiveness.
Innovative Solution
The insulation industry is constantly looking for
innovative solutions to ensure buildings comply
with regulations. A recent addition to support the
off-site approach is Recticel’s innovative L-Ments;
the pioneering room-in-a-roof system which can
be installed making the building watertight in a
matter of hours rather than days or weeks.
The unique system applies the ethos of ‘Modern
Methods of Construction’ to traditional insulation
solutions. Rather than cutting insulation boards
to fit between the timbers or trusses of a pitched
roof which can lead to thermal bridging and
lower performance, a panel is manufactured on a
PIR production line incorporating structural
timbers within the panel.
Once produced, they are transported to site as a
ready-to-install element with breather membrane
and counter battens already installed. Its PIR insulation
core offers a thermal conductivity of only
0.023 W/mK, making it among the most efficient
insulation products available.
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