KNAUF INSULATION has launched Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab EE, the UK’s first non-combustible rainscreen sheathing insulation with an enhanced water-repellent facing.
The facing, which protects the outward-facing side of the slab, reduces the risk of water damage after the insulation is installed. This helps to preserve the intended thermal, fire and acoustic performance of the building.
Best practice for installing insulation in rainscreen façades is to use a ‘rolling front’, but a survey of façade contractors by Knauf Insulation suggests that this is only achieved in approximately 50 per cent of projects. If
insulation is left exposed to the elements for too long after it is installed, it could be damaged, and its performance compromised. Luke Davies, Product Manager at Knauf, explained:
"We designed Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab EE to give specifiers a solution to the exposure problem.
"Rather than rely on best practice on site, specifiers can now proactively protect building performance by selecting a product engineered for the real world".
Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab EE has been extensively tested to deliver proven performance. It is non-combustible,
with a Euroclass A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification and the black facing provides an aesthetic solution for behind perforated façades. Alongside the launch of the new product, Knauf Insulation will be releasing a new
CPD on using rainscreen insulation to achieve real-world performance.
Luke added:
"Specifiers are under greater pressure than ever, particularly when designing high-risk buildings with rainscreen façades.
"This launch is part of our wider plan to support specifiers with the products, services and resources
they need, to have confidence in their insulation choice."
