June 2022

Insulation Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
ADDITIONAL BBA FOR ROCKSILK
Knauf Insulation has earned an additional BBA
certificate for its Rocksilk RainScreen Slab
range – a new solution for partially filled
masonry cavities.
thicknesses of any rainscreen solution on the
market,” explained Luke Davies, Rock Mineral
Wool Product Manager at Knauf Insulation. “This
latest addition to the range means that architects
possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire
classification. This means it complies with
building regulations that ban the use of
combustible insulation on buildings over 18m tall
and specifiers benefit from the in England and Wales, and restrict their use on
Rocksilk RainScreen Slab is
simplicity of using just one most buildings over 11m in Scotland.
now certified for use in
product, even if there are
masonry cavities in both highrise
rainscreen façades and
Rocksilk RainScreen Slab at 455mm is available
With a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK,
different build-ups within the
project”.
domestic low-rise buildings
in thicknesses between 50mm and 220mm. The
situated in very severe exposure zones. The BBA
certificate means that it complies with building
regulations that state that insulation used in
partially filled masonry cavities must have thirdparty
accreditation.
“Our Rocksilk RainScreen Slab is already BBA
certified for the broadest range of build-ups and
The product is suitable for use with
all types of masonry cavities
including blockwork or
reinforced concrete substrates
with brick, blockwork or natural
stone façades.
It is also non-combustible with the best
slabs are designed to interlock to prevent
unintended gaps that lead to air leakage
and lower thermal performance.
www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/insulationfor-partially-filled-cavities
FRAMEPRO W1 EXCELS ON PASSIVHAUS PLUS PROJECT
The FramePro W1 air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group has
been chosen for a new modular Passivhaus Plus housing project in
Cardiff.
This innovative project will provide essential housing for Cardiff’s
homeless population. It is designed by Beattie Passive using its awardwinning,
patented design and build system, which the company says is
the UK’s first certified Passivhaus Complete Build System.
A. Proctor Group’s FramePro W1 air barrier system was used at a new project for Cardiff’s homeless
population which is said to be the UK’s first certified Passivhaus Complete Build System.
The development consists of 48 one, two and three-bed apartments with two ancillary office buildings. Manufactured offsite in the Beattie Passive factory
in Norwich, the buildings were transported and assembled on-site in Cardiff. The three modular housing blocks provide complete flexibility. Satisfying
Cardiff’s immediate requirement to provide housing for people and families in temporary accommodation, in later years the modules can be dismantled,
reconfigured and assembled to suit the demographic needs of the city at that time. The FramePro W1 system was chosen as an external air barrier. The
system comprises FramePro W1, a low-resistance vapour permeable air barrier for walls, plus Wraptite Tape. Ron Beattie, Managing Director at Beattie
Passive, explained: “FramePro W1 is an excellent barrier system that provides complete protection from “windwashing” and the effects of wind
penetration and moisture management in buildings. In addition, the system is easy to use and apply, easy to joint, and won’t tear.”
Another benefit of the FramePro W1 system is that applying it externally simplifies the process, maintaining the building’s integrity, as there are fewer
building services and structural penetrations to be sealed. By reducing the likelihood of potential failures to meet designed airtightness levels, the
FramePro W1 System helps ensure “as-designed” performance, narrowing the performance gap between as-designed and actual energy performance.
This challenge is highlighted in the latest revision of BS5250 - Management and Moisture in Buildings (Revised: July 2021), which includes reference to
‘as designed in theory’ (ADT) and ‘as-built in service’ (ABS). Isabel Beattie, Director at Beattie Passive, commented: “the buildings are designed to
achieve Passivhaus Plus standards and zero carbon. To achieve these high standards, we undertake rigorous testing on the materials used in our
buildings.” www.proctorgroup.com
58 TC JUNE 2022