Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid and tough, closed-cell foam. It is usually white and made of pre-expanded polystyrene beads. Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics, the scale of its production being several billion kilograms per year.
Polystyrene foams are produced using blowing agents that form bubbles and expand the foam. In expanded polystyrene, these are usually hydrocarbons such as pentane
Extruded polystyrene (XPS)
Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) consists of closed cells, offers improved surface roughness and higher stiffness and reduced thermal conductivity. It is slightly denser and therefore slightly stronger than EPS.
Water vapour diffusion resistance (μ) of XPS is very low - making it suitable for application in wetter environments.
Phenolic foam
Phenolic foam insulation is made from a resole resin in the presence of an acid catalyst, blowing agents (such as pentane) and surfactants.
Polyisocyanurate/ Polyurethane foam (PIR/PUR)
Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. Polyurethane can be made in a variety of densities and hardnesses by varying the isocyanate, polyol or additives.
Polyisocyanurate, also referred to as PIR, is a thermoset plastic typically produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation. Its chemistry is similar to polyurethane (PUR) except that the proportion of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is higher and a polyester-derived polyol is used in the reaction instead of a polyether polyol. Catalysts and additives used in PIR formulations also differ from those used in PUR.
Glass mineral wool
Made from molten glass, usually with 20% to 30% recycled industrial waste and post-consumer content. The material is formed from fibres of glass arranged using a binder into a texture similar to wool. The process traps many small pockets of air between the glass, and these small air pockets result in high thermal insulation properties. The density of the material can be varied through pressure and binder content.
Rock mineral wool
Rock (Stone) mineral wool is a furnace product of molten rock at a temperature of about 1600 °C, through which a stream of air or steam is blown. More advanced production techniques are based on spinning molten rock in high-speed spinning heads somewhat like the process used to produce candy floss. The final product is a mass of fine, intertwined fibres with a typical diameter of 2 to 6 micrometers. Mineral wool may contain a binder, often a Ter-polymer, and an oil to reduce dusting
Cellular glass
Largely manufactured from recycled glass (e.g. windscreens) and mineral base materials such as sand and without the use of binding agents. The ingredients are melted into molten glass, which is cooled and crushed into a fine powder. The powdered glass is poured into molds and heated (below the melting point) in a "sintering" process that causes the particles to adhere to one another. Next, a small amount of finely ground carbon-black is added and the material is heated in a "cellulation" process. Here, the carbon reacts with oxygen, creating carbon dioxide, which creates the insulating bubbles in the (material). CO2 accounts for more than 99% of the gas in the cellular spaces.
Wool
Wool insulation is made from sheep wool fibres that are either mechanically held together or bonded using between 5% and 15% recycled polyester adhesive to form insulating batts and rolls. Sheep are no longer farmed primarily for their wool; however, they need to be clipped annually to protect the health of the animal. The wool used to manufacture insulation is the wool discarded as waste by other industries due to its colour or grade
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is a material made from recycled newspaper. The paper is shredded and inorganic salts, such as boric acid, are added for resistance to fire, mould, insects and vermin. The insulation is installed either blown or damp-sprayed depending on application.
Wood fibre
The success of wood fibre insulation derives from an attractive environmental profile combined with a whole bag of functions including rigid insulation, sheathing and sarking for timber frames, roofs and flooring as well as flexible insulation for studs and rafters.
Wood of course is renewable, it sequesters carbon during its growth and product production is relatively free from pollution. The insulation value of wood fibre boards is not as dimensionally efficient as some of the orthodox petro-chemical materials - but it's no slouch either - typically coming in with a 'k value' range of between 0.038-0.043 W/mK depending on format.
Hemp
Hemp fibres are produced from hemp straw of the hemp plant. Most hemp is imported, but an increasing amount of home-grown crop is becoming available. Hemp grows up to a height of nearly 4 metres within a period of 100-120 days. Because the plants shade the soil, no chemical protection or toxic additives are required for hemp cultivation. The product is composed of, usually, 85% hemp fibre with the ballance made up of polyester binding and 3-5% soda added for fire proofing.
Straw
Straw is an agricultural by-product, the dry stalks of cereal plants, after the grain and chaff have been removed. Straw makes up about half of the yield of cereal crops such asbarley, oats, rice, rye and wheat.
EcoTherm Insulation (UK) Ltd is one of the UK’s largest PIR thermal insulation suppliers. EcoTherm develops, manufactures and supplies thin polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid thermal insulation board products throughout the UK. EcoTherm offers thin, rigid floor insulation boards suitable for solid, concrete, timber and suspended floors. EcoTherm is constantly developing and testing its insulation boards to bring new, innovative and improved products to the market. Products are manufactured with a CFC and HCFC-free blowing agent, that has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a low Global Warming Potential (GWP). They correspond to the BRE Global Green Guide generic specification which achieves a summary rating of A on tissue facing products and A+ on foil facing ones. The manufacturing facility, at which EcoTherm Eco-Deck boards (pre-insulated flat roof decking) are produced, carries FSC® (FSC®- C109304) certification.
After years of development, EcoTherm’s product development team improved the thermal resistance of standard foil faced insulation range to its current value (thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK) and continue to test and innovate to further improve this. Products such as Eco-Liner are a prime example of how PIR insulation products are evolving and providing new solutions to the end user, enabling them to complete jobs easier and faster than before. Delivered in convenient, compact packages, the boards require half the volume of traditional material with the same insulation value. So there is a reduction in storage space, transport and manual handling. EcoTherm boards also have a fibre free insulation core, and therefore are non-irritant. EcoTherm has the majority of its product range in stockists around the UK.
Due to its rigidity EcoTherm insulation is easy to cut and simple to fit. Boards are easily fixed by employing any number of traditional techniques. PIR insulation is fibre free, so unlike other forms of insulation no skin irritation can be caused by handling EcoTherm products. The products are manufactured under management systems certified to ISO 9001: 2008, ISO 14001: 2004 and BS OHSAS 18001: 2007.
ECOTHERM® PRODUCT RANGE
EcoTherm’s product range is suitable for use within flat and pitched roofs, walls, floors and ceilings in new and existing buildings. EcoTherm’s boards are recognised for their compressive strength, low weight, ease of installation and excellent thermal performance. PIR boards are light, in fact, they're up to 7 times lighter than traditional insulation materials.
Ecotherm eco-versal is a fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation core with aluminium foil composite facing to both sides. Product is covered by BBA Agrément Certificate No 14/5157. The compressive strength of Eco-Versal typically exceeds 140 kPa when tested at 10% compression to BS EN 826: 2013 (Thermal insulating products for building applications. Determination of compressive behaviour). Eco-Versal is suitable for use with most Underfloor Heating Systems (UFH) and if correctly installed, Eco-Versal has an indefinite life.
Eco-Cavity wall insulation boards are ideal for masonry walls. They achieve high levels of thermal performance for thinner constructions whilst maintaining a clear residual air gap; effective protection against driving rain, particularly in coastal and exposed locations. The boards are conveniently sized to co-ordinate with brick and block dimensions and to allow the insertion of wall ties at the appropriate spacing.
Application
Masonry Walls | Partial fill cavity walls
EcoTherm Eco-Cavity Full Fill
Eco-Cavity Full Fill boards have tongue and groove edges ensure a continuous layer of insulation, increases protection from wind driven rain and also aids installation. This allows users to optimise the full cavity with high performing thermal insulation, meaning U-values and Building Regulations can be met without altering standard construction designs. Eco-Cavity Full Fill prevents the need to increase cavity space and overall wall width to accommodate larger thicknesses of traditional insulation materials.
Application
Masonry Walls | Full fill cavity walls
EcoTherm Eco-Liner
Eco-liner is a 2 in 1 insulated dry lining board for mech fix and dot & dab applications. (Fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation core bonded to 12.5mm tapered edge gypsum plasterboard using proprietary gypsum adhesive). The 2 in 1 board insulates and dry lines walls in one application.
Application
Internal Walls | DryLining Systems
EcoTherm Eco Deck Pre-Insulated Flat Roof Decking
EcoTherm Eco-Deck Pre-Insulated Structural Flat Roof Decking is a solid high-quality PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation board bonded to 6mm plywood on one side and multilayer foil on reverse side designed to deck and insulate in one simple application on new roofs or upgrading the thermal performance of existing roofs. EcoTherm Eco-Deck Decking Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm is suitable for use with mechanically fixed single-ply waterproofing membranes, mastic asphalt, roll & pour and adhered systems. It provides a cost effective means of reducing CO2 emissions and for compliance with Building Regulations and Standards.
25mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
96mm EcoTherm Eco-Deck Pre-Insulated Structural Flat Roof Decking is a solid high-quality PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation board bonded to 6mm plywood on one side and multilayer foil on reverse side designed to deck and insulate in one simple application on new roofs or upgrading the thermal perfor..
106mm EcoTherm Eco-Deck Pre-Insulated Structural Flat Roof Decking is a solid high-quality PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation board bonded to 6mm plywood on one side and multilayer foil on reverse side designed to deck and insulate in one simple application on new roofs or upgrading the thermal perfo..
30mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
116mm EcoTherm Eco-Deck Pre-Insulated Structural Flat Roof Decking is a solid high-quality PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation board bonded to 6mm plywood on one side and multilayer foil on reverse side designed to deck and insulate in one simple application on new roofs or upgrading the thermal perfo..
35mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
126mm EcoTherm Eco-Deck Pre-Insulated Structural Flat Roof Decking is a solid high-quality PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation board bonded to 6mm plywood on one side and multilayer foil on reverse side designed to deck and insulate in one simple application on new roofs or upgrading the thermal perfo..
40mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
136mm EcoTherm Eco-Deck Pre-Insulated Structural Flat Roof Decking is a solid high-quality PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation board bonded to 6mm plywood on one side and multilayer foil on reverse side designed to deck and insulate in one simple application on new roofs or upgrading the thermal perfo..
45mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
146mm EcoTherm Eco-Deck Pre-Insulated Structural Flat Roof Decking is a solid high-quality PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation board bonded to 6mm plywood on one side and multilayer foil on reverse side designed to deck and insulate in one simple application on new roofs or upgrading the thermal perfo..
50mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
156mm EcoTherm Eco-Deck Pre-Insulated Structural Flat Roof Decking is a solid high-quality PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation board bonded to 6mm plywood on one side and multilayer foil on reverse side designed to deck and insulate in one simple application on new roofs or upgrading the thermal perfo..
55mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
60mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
65mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
70mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
75mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
80mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
85mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
90mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
95mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 24..
100mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
110mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
120mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
130mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
140mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
150mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
160mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
170mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
180mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
190mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
200mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..