Modern Polyurethane Technology
Construction Industry Recognises Benefits of Modern Polyurethane Technology
Cost effective, worthwhile insulation is increasingly being recognised as a core ingredient of climate change is to be tackled through the reduction of C02 emissions. Meanwhile rising fuel costs have made improvements in energy efficiency in all types of buildings.
In this respect, Part L Building Regulations for new build properties and those undergoing refurbishment are constantly becoming more stringent. Indeed there is an ambitious timetable for progressive tightening of Building Regulations Part L in 2010, 2013, and again in 2016, as the government moves towards its target of ‘zero carbon’ homes by 2016.
In view of forth coming legislation for increased insulation requirements, many in the construction industry are now recognising the very considerable benefits of utilising modern polyurethane technology to achieve or exceed Building Regulations, as the depth of foam is increased to meet the required insulation values. Applied as a liquid to roofs – as well as to walls and ground floors – it expands to create a superior insulation acoustic barrier. Polyurethane foam injected into the cavity also assists cavity re-inforcement, particularly in cases of wall-tie failure.
For properties with cavity walls, a thick layer of polyurethane foam will provide far better insulation that the equivalent thickness most cavity insulation materials. The foam will stabilise the walls, avoiding the expensive job of replacing corroding wall ties. The foam is also good in flood areas, where other products may not survive if flooding occurs.
Structural, rigid polyurethane foam has been used for over 30 years to solve the problems of wall tie failure coupled with poor levels of insulation. Studies made in conjunction with the Building Research Establishment concluded that there are millions of dwellings at risk.
The liquid polyurethane foam system injected by specialist members of the National Insulation Association (NIA) into the cavity formed a traditional masonry cavity wall through properly spaced holes in the outer walls. The foam expands within the cavity, setting to adhere to the inner and outer leaves of the wall bonding them together. It is satisfactory replacement for normal metal wall ties and provide high degrees those undergoing refurbishment are constantly