Can I recess cables into Recticel PIR insulation boards?
Cables should not be recessed into the insulation boards. They may be laid between two layers of boards with the cabling oversized to accommodate for an increase in operating temperature. If cables penetrate an insulation layer, PIR will have no detrimental effect on cable sheathing.
Further guidance on the above should be obtained from a qualified electrician.
Can I recess downlighters into Recticel PIR insulation boards?
General best practice in such scenarios would be to include for a battened service zone to avoid compromising the performance both the insulation and the vapour control layer. The required depth of this “void” should be determined by the requirements of the specific lighting manufacturer.
If this is not suitable and the lighting needs to be recessed, then advice should be sought from the downlighter manufacturer.
For more information regarding this, an information document can be found within the IMA Resource Centre on the 'Use of downlighters, recessed lights or spotlights and PIR PUR insulation' here.
Can I say a product is "CCPI-assessed" even if I can't display the mark?
Yes, as long as it's accurate and reflects our current published status. Just don't reproduce the mark itself or imply your company holds an assessment it hasn't gone through.
Can I use Recticel insulation products in a U-value calculation?
Yes. Recticel Insulation manufactures high-performance PIR insulation products for a range of wall, roof and floor applications.
The appropriate insulation product and thickness will depend on the construction build-up, required thermal performance and project requirements.
Use the U-value calculator to explore suitable construction and insulation specifications, or contact Recticel Insulation Technical Services for project-specific advice.
Can I use the CCPI mark on my own website?
Not our product mark, no. Manufacturer marks and Merchant & Distributor marks are two separate things under CCPI. If you want your own CCPI mark to display, you'd need to complete the separate four-clause Merchant & Distributor assessment yourself. See the note above for more detail.
Can I use Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP) in a tapered flat roof solution?
Yes, this is possible and recommended. We always advise a slope towards the outlets to ensure an adequate water drainage to avoid water stagnation on the roof.
There are generally two ways to approach this with Deck-VQ®:
- The fall is incorporated in the substrate (screed layer): in this case the Deck-VQ® boards will follow the existing fall.
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The fall is incorporated in the insulation layer: in this case Deck-VQ® can be combined with our tapered insulation* boards (Powerdeck® F or Eurothane® Eurodeck) on top. Our technical service with specialized tapered design service then provides an easy-to-use design for both insulation layers.
*Tapered insulation incorporates the slope over the length of the panel. Therefore, the panels can be installed on a flat surface, tightly jointed whilst resulting in a sloped top surface. Tapered insulation presents the ideal solution for a technically correct and thermally optimal build-up.
Contact our vacuum insulation specialist
Can I walk on Deck-VQ® vacuum insulation panels?
Yes, this is possible due to the protection layers in high density PIR and the compressive strength of 150 kPa (CS(10\Y)150). Deck-VQ® is suitable for application in flat roofs and terraces, subject to light foot traffic.
As for every type of insulation, we recommend to limit the foot traffic during installation to a minimum and apply the waterproofing as soon as possible after installation. It is best practice to only install the area you are able to insulate AND waterproof in one day.
Can insulation be placed between and over flat roof joists?
BS 5250:2011, the British Standard for the control of condensation in buildings, does not recommend installing insulation between timber joists as well as above the deck.
However, not all hybrid roofs will show condensation risk, our Technical Services team will be happy to assist with U-value calculations and condensation risk analysis where required, we will also discuss the potential risks involved, but please note all calculations will be marked “NOT RECOMMENDED” inline with the British Standard.
Can PIR insulation boards be used directly below flooring tiles?
No, PIR insulation boards should not be used directly below flooring tiles, a suitable substrate such as screed should be used to distribute the load and prevent movement and cracking of the tiles.
Can you drill, nail or saw into a Vacuum Insulation Panel?
No, because these actions will lead to the loss of vacuum in the VIP and reduce the thermal performance by a factor of three*.
Our Deck-VQ® concept offers an optimum protection to prevent most damage on site. (see “What is the difference between Deck-VQ® and a Vacuum Insulation Panel?”).
Our technical services provide guidance and deliver a detailed design for your project.
Do not hesitate to contact us for further information (see also “How to install Deck-VQ®?”).
*The thermal conductivity of the core material rises to ca. 0,020 W/mK under ambient pressure.