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.
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.
Novia 500 Gauge Vapour Control Layer AVCL is a high-quality, single-ply, non-laminated, virgin-grade blown polythene 125 micron material that is suitable for use in residential timber frame applications.
Basic grade of CE approved virgin grade polythene vapour barrier comes in 2.7m wide and 50m l..
Novia 1000G Air-leak Barrier and Vapour Control Layer AVCL is a high-quality intermediate spec single-ply, non-laminated, virgin-grade blown polythene 250micron, 1000 gauge material that is suitable for use in residential timber frame applications.
Medium grade of CE approved virgin grade polythe..
Air-leak barrier and vapour control layer (AVCL)
Complies with BS EN 13984 - multi-folded in 4 x 25 m
Virgin-grade, high-quality material - Low cost solution
CE approved and CPR compliant - Helps buildings to meet BS 5250
Medium grade of CE approved virgin grade polythene vapour barrier
Novia 1200G Air-leak Barrier and Vapour Control Layer AVCL is the highest grade single-ply, non-laminated, virgin-grade blown polythene 300 micron, 1200 gauge material that is suitable for use in residential timber frame applications.
Finest specification of CE approved virgin grade polythene va..
Air-leak barrier and vapour control layer (AVCL)
Complies with BS EN 13984 - multi-folded in 4 x 25 m