Pittsburgh Corning Europe (Branch Middle East) DAFZA, P.O.Box: 54823 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Pittsburgh Corning Europe
(Branch Middle East)
DAFZA, P.O.Box: 54823
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +9714.7017.522
Fax: +9714.7017.523
[email protected]
www.foamglas.ae
Why FOAMGLAS insulation in a ventilated façade or behind stone cladding?
Marco Vincenz, Nov. 2009
When heavy material such as natural stone or decorative concrete is used as a cladding, one
key criterion is the durability of the wall. The insulation material must also have the same long
service life.
The replacement of the insulation will be a costly exercise. With its extremely long service life
and references more than 50 years old, FOAMGLAS insulation is the best choice.
FOAMGLAS applied with adhesive on structure
stone cladding with single anchor
FOAMGLAS mechanical fixed on structure
stone cladding on rail system
Resistant to moisture and constant thermal conductivity
Foamglas cellular glass is totally impervious to water and cannot be damaged by rainwater
seeping behind the cladding or the influence of water vapour or high humidity. With millions of
hermetic closed cells, Foamglas is totally impervious to any kind of moisture. This physical
property is unique and means there is no need for any covering of the insulation to protect
from high humidity in the Middle East. No vapour barrier is required!
In case other insulation material is used like mineral wool, a vapour barrier is required to
protect the insulation from the water vapour. This is done with an aluminium foil lamination
on the insulation. This foil should be applied in perfect condition without damages and proper
sealed joints to avoid humid air to reach structure and condensate.
Moisture has a dramatic effect on lambda values. Many studies have been carried out on the
effects on thermal conductivity of volume related moisture content. A moisture content of 1%
by volume on mineral fibre insulation reduces the performance to 30%!
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Pittsburgh Corning Europe
(Branch Middle East)
DAFZA, P.O.Box: 54823
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +9714.7017.522
Fax: +9714.7017.523
[email protected]
www.foamglas.ae
Mineral wool insulation with aluminium vapour barrier, penetrations must be taped
Open joints will lead to a wet insulation because of condensation
FOAMGLAS - No vapour
barrier required
Fire protection – safe against fire and no fume development
For fire protection in ventilated cladding systems with several levels or even in high rise
buildings, the need of a non-combustible insulation material is obvious. The chimney effect
created by the ventilation space means that the fire will spread quickly. Although plastic foam
insulation are described as “fire-safe”, they are combustible as well as creating significant
fumes and toxic smoke, hence it follow they are unsuitable. Mineral fibre products provide the
required levels often of non-combustibility as long as they are not aluminium-laminated. Due
to the level of resins used to bind the fibres and add the lamination in their manufacture, they
can contribute towards fire. Foamglas is classified as non-combustible and no contribution to
fire. (Euro Class A1, like concrete) With ASTM fire index Zero for smoke development and Zero
for surface burning, Foamglas provides unrivalled fire protection to the building.
High rise building with plastic foam insulation supporting fire / toxic fume!
Many international regulations prohibits plastic foams in facades!!!
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Fire in Dubai supported by plastic insulation
Pittsburgh Corning Europe
(Branch Middle East)
DAFZA, P.O.Box: 54823
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +9714.7017.522
Fax: +9714.7017.523
[email protected]
www.foamglas.ae
Stability and design advantage
Deformation-free FOAMGLAS is dimensional stable and therefore very easy to fix. No sinking,
no swelling because of humidity! FOAMGLAS enables an easy build up and keeps the details
very easy. Around columns the rigidity will help to insulate proper.
Open joint will not show shiny or collared insulation material. Last but not least, the
supervision and acceptance of the application of FOAMGLAS can be done properly. The
cladding doesn’t have to be done immediately and therefore will guarantee the perfect
thermal protection for decades.
Joints with mineral wool insulation and aluminium lamination
trough open joint the insulation behind the cladding will be visible
Joints with black FOAMGLAS behind
What about ecology and economy?
What is more sustainable than an ecological product with a very long lifespan?
FOAMGLAS can look back to more than 50 years of experience.
FOAMGLAS is produced from less energy compared to others, contains 66% recycling glass,
doesn’t use water for the production and is certified with many green certificates like
ecospecifier, green spec and “Environmental Product Declaration”. Using FOAMGLAS will also
support the LEED rating with credits.
Next to the initial cost the durability and failure risk are deciding factors. Cost analyses are
showing that 60 to 70% of the total lifecycle costs for building are after the building process.
Therefore the efficient build up in a high quality which guarantees the constant thermal
performance over decades is a must.
A lot of money is wasted for maintenance, refurbishments, cost of scaffolding, demolition,
removal and disposal of used materials, interim storage and the new build up. It cause
enormous and stress for all involved.
FOAMGLAS is the lifetime solution!
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