December 2023

Knauf Insulation Tech Talk
THE ON-SITE INSULATION STORAGE
CHALLENGE
Whether you’re working on a new build, a redevelopment scheme or a refurbishment
project, the one thing that many construction sites have in common is limited storage.
So this month Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager at Knauf Insulation, gives his
three top tips on maximising space and storing insulation.
1. Look for compression
makes a difference. For
packaging
example, when we
deliver a load (22 pallets)
Insulation products are bulky.
of our OmniFit Slab 35
But did you know that certain
(100mm x 600mm), a competitor
insulation materials can be
would need to deliver more than two loads (47
compressed during the packaging process? Unlike
pallets) of their equivalent low density rock
rigid boards, mineral wool insulation has a
mineral wool products. It reduces deliveries to the
flexible structure that traps air between its
site and means there are fewer pallets to store.
strands. As well as giving the insulation its
thermal and acoustic properties, this inherent 2. Use multi-application products
flexibility allows it to be compressed.
Another tip for making the most of the available
That means you can fit more m 2 of insulation into space is to choose multi-application products
the pack and onto the pallet. Thanks
wherever possible. Using our
to our advanced compression
OmniFit range as an example again,
packaging technology, some of our
there are just two slabs and two
glass mineral wool products
rolls in the range, but they can
compress down to just a tenth of
insulate ten different applications
their original size. It means there’s
including walls, internal partitions,
less storing and handling on site.
floors and lofts. The products offer
thermal performance between
But it’s on glass mineral wool
Knauf Insulation’s compression 0.032w/mK and 0.040w/mK, are
deliveries where compression really
packaging helps save space non-combustible with the best A1
Knauf Insulation OmniFit Slab
Left: Bradley Hirst
Euroclass reaction to fire classification,
and exceed the acoustic performance
requirements of Approved Document E
(England and Wales).
As well as meeting the performance requirements
across the build, using multi-application products
also means it’s much quicker and easier for your
team of installers to find the right product for the
application.
3. Store it correctly
Once on-site, mineral wool needs to be stored
correctly to prevent it from damage. Ideally, it
should be stored within the building or under
cover, but if this isn’t possible, it can be kept
outside and off the ground, provided it is
protected by a waterproof cover
Contact Knauf Insulation
www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland
By rationalising their product
range merchants can make
the most of storage space.
46 TC DECEMBER 2023