Wood fibre external wall insulation is an eco-friendly solution for reducing energy bills and heating/cooling requirements. This natural material also improves air quality and is 100% compostable. It can also be easily installed. In addition to being environmentally friendly, wood fibre is also 100% recyclable and compostable. The following are some of its benefits.
Vapour-open
Vapour-open wood fibre external wall insulation is one of the most effective insulation options for external walls. Unlike other forms of insulation, wood fibre is non-combustible and therefore breathable. Despite its natural properties, however, it is not suitable for direct rendering. As such, it should be treated with a vapour barrier to prevent condensation.
External wall insulation is best for houses that have solid brick walls. You can usually tell whether a home has solid walls by looking at the pattern of its brick walls. Also, consider the age of the building. If the house is old, it may have solid walls. Then you can choose the type of insulation that best suits your property.
Vapour-open wood fibre external wall insulation is an excellent choice for homes where moisture is a concern. It helps to reduce internal humidity and improves heating and cooling performance. It also allows rising damp to disperse, making the internal air healthier. Because wood fibre is hygroscopic and capillary, it can effectively manage moisture and prevent mould growth. In addition, it reduces surface temperatures.
STEICO is a leading green building products company and a world leader in wood fibre insulation. Founded as a timber importer, it has developed into a leading manufacturer of high-quality wood fibre insulation materials. The company has two plants in Poland and one in France and sells to customers throughout the world. The company’s lean and flexible structure allows for excellent customer service. It has invested heavily in wood-based structural building products and has just announced a EUR60 million investment in its Czarna Woda site in Poland.
Wood Fibre insulation is highly efficient at regulating internal climates by retaining water vapour, while still maintaining structural integrity. Wood Fibre external wall insulation is an excellent choice for passive house standards and low energy building standards. It keeps the cold out, buffers external heat and promotes a healthy, breathable building environment.
External wall insulation is usually installed as an afterthought. As such, it is not a visible part of the property. However, it is important to ensure it is maintained properly to ensure its efficiency. Besides keeping the internal environment warm, external wall insulation can also improve the appearance of a property and increase its value.
Capillary active
Capillary active wood fibre external wall insulation is made of wood fibre, which is a natural material. Wood fibre insulation is breathable and can reduce condensation. It is a natural material and can be used on timber framed walls and roofs. It is available in different thicknesses and is usually installed as a single thickness.
This external wall insulation improves the thermal properties of a building by improving thermal bridging areas and reducing Psi value. It also helps regulate indoor temperatures. Compared to traditional plastered brick wall, two centimetres of capillary active wood fibre insulation provides equivalent insulating properties of a solid concrete wall.
Capillary active insulation is also available in vapour permeable walls. Using a vapour permeable wall is important because the capillary active material can move the condensation dew point out of the cavity. It also ensures the dryness of the cavity wall insulation. Vapour permeable materials and capillary active materials allow moisture to be transported out of a building in a timely manner. In addition, they actively dry damp masonry walls, resulting in a long-lasting facade.
Capillary active wood fibre external wall insulation improves hygrothermal performance by reducing the water vapour load of the building fabric. This prevents the growth of mould and other organisms and maintains a warm, dry environment. It also helps reduce the risk of interstitial condensation and mould.
A STEICO group company that specialises in capillary active wood fibre insulation is a world leader in this market. It began as a small timber importer but has grown into a leading producer of wood fibre insulation materials. The company’s headquarters is based in a state-of-the-art facility outside of Munich. The site houses the company’s manufacturing operations and showcases its products. This location is the hub of STEICO’s wood-based structural building products.
Capillary active wood fibre external wall insulation is a great option for those who want to increase the insulating capacity of their walls. Its density makes it a better option for homes in climates where rain can easily penetrate. Furthermore, it has a long life span and is UV stable.
Easy to install
Wood fibre external wall insulation is an environmentally friendly option for reducing heat loss. This type of insulation is made from wood that would otherwise be discarded. It has a relatively high embodied energy and is processed in timber factories and transported across Europe. It also protects against airborne and structure-borne sound transmission.
Wood fibre insulation is available in a variety of densities, R-values, and thicknesses. Rigid insulation boards are usually used on exterior walls, and come with tongue-and-groove edges. Rigid insulation boards have the added benefit of being durable, as they can withstand long periods of exposure to the elements. However, these are more expensive than loose-blowing or dense-packing insulation.
The installation process for external wall insulation is straightforward. The insulation boards are applied to the wall in a staggered pattern. They are cut to fit around obstructions, and are smoothed with a rasp before being applied. A professional should be called in to help with any questions that may arise.
Wood fibre insulation is also environmentally friendly. The trees that are used to manufacture it absorb carbon dioxide, reducing the risk of harmful emissions. It also has lower k values than man-made insulation. This means that it requires less petrochemicals than other materials. The material has a lower k value than sheep’s wool, Jute, and foam PIR board.
The future of the wood fibre insulation industry is bright. With the UK’s increasing population and an increasing ecological consciousness, sales of wood fibre based insulation will continue to grow. Furthermore, the urgent need to renovate aged housing stocks will only increase the demand for such products. STEICO has the capacity and resources to become a long-term partner for its customers.
The carbon footprint of wood fibre insulation is minimal, and in many parts of Europe it is even carbon negative. However, you must install about 3 inches of this type of insulation in order to achieve good energy efficiency.