Why thermal insulation makes sense in timber construction
Climate change, energy-efficient measures and increasing technical requirements are familiar to anyone who plans, realises or implements projects in the construction industry. This dynamic brings a constant growing complexity that need to be mastered. Solutions must be found that not only fulfil the current requirements, but are also sustainable and last in the long term.
The search for effective thermal insulation in timber construction also addresses these issues and not only contributes to a pleasant living environment, but also makes a significant contribution to Reduction of energy consumption and thus to the Sustainability of a building. Whether in the roof, on the wall, in the floor or on the façade - insulation should not be missing in any of these areas in timber construction either. A High-quality and energy-efficient thermal insulation is therefore not only an investment in the future, but rather a possible Response to the current ecological and economic challenges.
Energy-efficient insulation protection for cold and heat
Building physics aspects such as the permeability of Heat, sound, humidity and air have a significant influence on energy consumption and living comfort of a building. Accordingly, the choice of the right insulation material is a central component in the design of energy-efficient buildings. Cold and heat must not be disregarded - in winter the heat should be kept in the building and in summer a pleasant coolness should be felt in the room.
Avoid thermal bridges and heat loss.
Whether you are a skilled worker, builder or architect looking for the right insulation for a timber construction project for your customers, Heat losses are certainly a term you have heard again and again. in the best possible way applies.
Interruptions in the thermal insulation at corners, connections, component transitions or penetrations often lead to so-called Thermal bridges. These thermal bridges increase thermal conduction and lead to undesirable heat loss, which Increased heating costs, uneven room temperatures, condensation and even mould growth can result. The seamless connection option of a suitable insulation material is therefore another important feature to guarantee your customers high-quality insulation in the long term and maximise energy efficiency.
U or lambda value? Which figure is worth more?
A Low U-value means that the component has a Low thermal permeability and therefore better insulated is. In practice, therefore, little heat is lost to the environment on cold winter days, for example. As a rule, low U-values are therefore aimed for when planning buildings in order to minimise heat loss through the building envelope and reduce the Reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Lambda value (thermal conductivity)
The lambda value refers to the thermal conductivity of building materials. It is stated in watts per metre and Kelvin (W/mK) and indicates how much heat energy is transferred per metre and per temperature difference of 1 Kelvin. channelled through a building material becomes.
Building materials with a lambda value of less than 0.1 W/(mK) are generally regarded as insulating materials, whereby a value between 0.025 and 0.075 W/(mK) is usually aimed for.
A low lambda value therefore means that the building material has a low thermal conductivity and thus minimises the heat loss. heat is not lost elsewhere - therefore acts as a good insulator.
Both values provide important and different information about the thermal insulation properties of a component or material. While the U-value the Thermal permeability of an entire building component (thermal conductivity of the materials used - i.e. the corresponding lambda values - as well as the thickness and arrangement of the components), the Lambda value the specific thermal conductivity of a single building material. In order to compare individual materials and their properties with each other, the lambda value is often taken into account.
Sound insulation and fire protection
European standards define so-called sound insulation and fire protection classes. Sound insulation classes are defined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 16283 and enable the assessment of the sound insulation of components and structures such as walls, ceilings and windows. They are characterised by Sound insulation dimensions (Rw values from 25 - over 75), with higher values indicating more effective sound insulation.
Fire protection classes apply throughout Europe in accordance with specific standards that classify materials according to their Reaction to fire and heat classification. The DIN EN 13501-1 classification covers from non-combustible (class A1) to insufficient fire protection (class F). DIN EN 13501-2 defines its classifications in a combination of letters and numbers and includes so-called fire resistance classes. These also specify the duration for which components can withstand fire and heat without losing their integrity
- R = Resistance (load-bearing capacity): The ability of a component to withstand the effects of fire from one or more sides over a certain period of time without loss of stability.
- E = Étanchéité (room closure): The component can withstand a one-sided fire load and prevents the fire from spreading to the opposite side by preventing the passage of flames or hot gases that could ignite the neighbouring material.
- I = Insulation (thermal insulation): The component withstands a one-sided fire load without the fire spreading to the opposite side. It prevents the transfer of heat from the side of the fire to the opposite side to prevent ignition of the material there. In addition, it provides an effective heat barrier for a certain period of time to protect people in the vicinity of the construction element.
- W = Radiation: The component with a room-enclosing function withstands a one-sided fire exposure, whereby the measured heat radiation on the opposite side remains below a specified value for a certain time.
Types of insulation in timber construction
Insulation in timber construction is diverse. Between natural, mineral and synthetic materials, you, like many other fabricators, builders and architects, are probably often faced with the decision of which of the numerous options is the best for your current project. After all, a Range of criteria and legal requirements for energy efficiency, sustainability and future-orientated solutions be fulfilled. To give you a general overview, we have listed a large number of Insulation material options listed:
Synthetic insulating materials
Synthetic insulating materials are insulating materials with additives. Rigid foams which often have a favourably priced insulation material variant. As they do not rot, they are Durable and mainly have insulating effects in the required areas. The chemical production makes them less environmentally friendly than organic materials, and Moisture can promote mould growth. The Waste disposal is organised often problematic and has not yet been fully examined with regard to some future disposal aspects.
- Polystyrene: The insulating material is divided into expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS), which differ mainly in their production and structure. While EPS - also known as Styropor® insulation - is produced by blowing polystyrene beads with steam, the EPS material has a continuous and closed cell structure, which is obtained by melting polystyrene resin and then extruding it. Both types of insulation are highly flammable and have a low melting temperature, which is why additional fire protection measures are required.
- Rigid polyurethane foam (PUR/PIR) Polyurethane is produced from a plastic that is created by the reaction of polyol and isocyanate. The addition of isocyanurate groups results in the PIR variant, which is thus Improved fire protection properties and is therefore used for higher requirements. As a rule, PUR/PIR insulation materials are highly flammable and do not develop flames. Highly toxic gases in case of fire.
Mineral insulation materials
The category of mineral insulation materials can include inorganic materials such as Sand, stone, lime and glass be understood. When processing mineral insulation materials Fibres are released, which can enter the lungs through inhalation and damage the surrounding cell tissue. Protective clothing and breathing masks are therefore required.
- Mineral wool
The mineral wool is used in Rock and glass wool subdivided. Rock wool is usually produced by fusing basalt rock, diabase rock or dolomite, while glass wool is obtained from waste glass, sand and lime. The materials are melted down and provided with binding and impregnating agents to achieve the desired insulating effect. Mineral insulating materials are usually non-flammable and are usually processed in panels. Their production requires A lot of energy and at the end of their product life they are not biodegradable, which means that Special procedures for disposal must be applied. - Cellular glass (CG)
Cellular glass (CG) is made from recycled waste glass and is produced by melting glass granulate with carbon. The insulating material is processed in the form of panels and, due to its production from recycled glass and its chemically inert (inactive) and emission-free properties, is generally used as more environmentally friendly categorised. During installation Protective clothing and breathing masks must be worn to prevent the inhalation of dust particles. - Perlite
Perlite consists of a glassy, volcanic rockwhich is processed both as granulate and in slab form. The addition of organic and inorganic binders enables the stone to be produced as slabs. As perlite is considered to be non-combustible, it slows down the spread of fire and is often used as a fire retardant. Fireproof is considered to be safe. The material is also resistant to Mould, rot and vermin resistant. Installation is typically carried out by blowing, moulding or placing panels. Perlite is considered safe and non-toxichowever, it is still advisable to Protective clothing to carry Skin irritation or inhalation of dust.
Natural insulation materials
- HempFor the production of hemp insulation mats, the fibres are separated from the bast of the hemp stalk and mixed with plastic fibres. Heat is then applied to melt the plastic fibres and bind the plant fibres together. Hemp is well suited as an insulating material due to its good sound insulation, but is not very durable due to the Multiple supply of additional fibres not always compostable.
- CorkCork insulation is produced by taking the bark of the cork oak and grinding it. Water vapour is used to enlarge the cork particles (expansion), which are processed into blocks and panels using the material's own resin. Despite its low flammability, cork is Not classified as a fire protection material and therefore requires additional fire protection measures in some cases. As a renewable raw material, cork is biodegradable and can be recycled or composted at the end of its life.
- CelluloseCellulose is mainly obtained from recycled newsprint fibres and is defibrated, dedusted and dried during production. The insulating material is mostly used as Blow-in insulation but is also used in the form of cellulose mats and pellets. As the material consists mainly of recycled paper fibres, it is regarded as Environmentally friendly and biodegradablebut may contain undesirable substances such as printing inks and fire protection additives.
- Wood fibreInsulation boards are - as the name suggests - made from the wood fibres of spruce, pine or fir trees. Depending on the manufacturing process, the fibres are softened with water, pressed together and heated (wet process) or dried, pressed and shaped (dry process). In the Wet process the wood naturally occurring lignin as a binding agent This means that no additional substances need to be added. In contrast, the Dry variant on Synthetic resinswhich act as an adhesive at high temperatures and provide stability. Due to the addition Appropriate disposal must be observed.
- Sheep's woolSheep's wool consists of protein (keratin) in its fibres and acts as a protective layer due to its naturally renewable function as a highly suitable, ecological insulation material. Sheep are usually sheared once or twice a year and thus provide the regular basis for the sheep's wool insulation material. After shearing, the wool is washed with soda ash and curd soap and then mechanically processed to obtain the desired quality. moulded into mats and felts. We have explained the properties of sheep's wool insulation in detail below.
A fair comparison of insulation materials
Sheep's wool insulation in timber construction
Wood and sheep's wool form in house building as two natural raw materials a flawless symbiosis.
The properties of sheep's wool as an insulating material in timber construction are diverse and can be described as follows:
Moisture-regulating effect
Sheep's wool has the special property of absorbing moisture and transporting it by capillary action to the place where it can dry out again. Even with increased humidity (in vapour form) in the fibre itself, the thermal insulation effect of the wool hardly changes. In practice, ISOLENA sheep's wool insulation has a demonstrably low deviation value of 5% in the thermal insulation effect compared to other insulation materials (15% - 20%). Accordingly, building damage and increased investment in thermal energy can be avoided and Increased safety in timber construction too be guaranteed.
Fire protection
Fire protection is a particularly important issue when working with wood. The Combination of wood with sheep's wool makes perfect sense, because sheep's wool ignites at temperatures of around 560° to 600° C and then begins to meltinstead of going up in flames. In the event of a fire No toxic gas and as soon as the source of the flame is removed, the wool extinguishes itself. The natural moisture in sheep's wool has been shown to help with fires as it evaporates during the initial phase of the fire. This evaporation creates a cooling effect throughout the wall system, which helps to prevent the fire from spreading. Fire slowed down spreads to other areas. Compared to insulation with mineral fibre, the inherent moisture of sheep's wool can therefore help to keep temperatures lower for a certain period of time in the event of a fire.
Sound insulation
Due to its diverse fibre fineness and elasticity, sheep's wool has very good sound absorption properties, which is why it is often used in the area of Acoustics is used. The sound insulation values of ISOLENA sheep's wool are comparable to those of mineral fibre and excel in some areas even those of the Soft wood fibre.
Wool protection
ISOLENA has developed the worldwide unique, Biocide-free and long-term tested plasma ion processes Ionic Protect® to effectively protect the wool from moths and insects. Find out how the process works in our article on wool protection.
Mould resistance
The protein fibre of the sheep's wool remains Resistant to mould and rot despite moisture and therefore offers a good basis for insulation, especially in timber construction.
Indoor climate
Through the Degradation of odours and pollutants the sheep's wool naturally provides a pleasant Pleasant room climate.
The molecules of the sheep's wool fibre have the ability, Pollutants such as formaldehyde, which is contained in wood-based materials, among other things, to reduce and neutralise.
"When you walk into the building, you can feel it immediately: the ecological building materials ensure a pleasant atmosphere. Incredibly great indoor climate. For our small construction projects in particular, it is important to us that the Moisture management works well and the room breathes. Here very good experience in over 170 projects with the sheep's wool insulation from ISOLENA."
Theresa Mai
Founder and Managing Director Wohnwagon
Waste disposal
Disposal is extremely straightforward when using 100% sheep's wool, as it is completely reused can be realised. No wasteno additional waste and no disposal costs, as leftover wool can be recycled due to its flexible shape. reused elsewhere without any problems can be used. The Repatriation and reuse in the production process is possible. If sheep's wool is composted, it serves as a fertiliser in the humus produced.
Processing
The processing of sheep's wool is very simple and efficient. Compared to other insulation materials, the installation with sheep's wool is time saving (even without prior knowledge) of up to 50% make it possible. The entire insulation roll can be fixed to the wall in just a few simple steps. In addition, sheep's wool is harmless to health and contains no respirable fibres so that during processing no special protective clothing such as masks, gloves or closed clothing is required.
"Since we have been working with ISOLENA sheep's wool insulation, the Labour quality of our employees has improved significantly. The Working hours on the construction site has been shortened and there are neither Particulate matter pollution allergic reactions due to the material used."
Robert Reitinger
Site management Scandinavian Blockhaus
"Our Team in the workshop loves the material and the pleasant, simple processing! This is a work step that is particularly popular. When the shell is finished and the sheep's wool insulation is in place, the building feels like home for the first time, even if there's still a building site all around."
Theresa Mai
Founder and Managing Director Wohnwagon
Project examples
Discover projects in timber construction, log house construction and tiny house construction. Here, wood and sheep's wool create a natural and healthy living space. Click for inspiring references:
Conclusion
The question of the ideal insulation material is a complete and individual one. As a skilled worker, builder or architect, you always strive to offer your customers optimum results. Many factors, requirements and tests must be taken into account when Selection of the ideal insulation material in timber construction must be taken into account. The question is, why not use natural materials for insulation?
The aim should be to utilise the natural properties of the materials and to work with what is given by nature. The quality of the products should be perceptible to both the customer and the processor in order to achieve consistent and satisfactory results in the long term.
Alexander Lehner from ISOLENA explains: "We offer solutions for current pressing requirements. We manufacture products that not only don't cause problems, but also provide solutions to existing problems - and do so holistically. ISOLENA consists of 100 % sheep's wool, contains no other additives and offers long-term safety."
"The combination of wood and sheep's wool brings together the best of two worlds. The stability, the simple construction method, the storage capacity in the building mass - solid wood is great!
The Sheep's wool then perfectly complements this with its cold and heat protection and moisture management properties. A dream team!"
Theresa Mai
Founder and Managing Director Wohnwagon
