There are several different thin internal wall insulation systems available on the market. Kingspan OPTIM-R is the thinnest insulation available and can reduce u-value while also improving comfort and concealing internal historic finishes. This study has drawn conclusions about the effectiveness of different systems in a wide range of circumstances.
OPTIM-R is Kingspan’s thinnest insulation
Kingspan’s OPTIM-R is a vacuum-insulated panel that provides exceptional thermal performance with minimal thickness. The microporous core is enclosed in a thin gas-tight envelop, which is up to five times more efficient than conventional insulation. With thermal conductivity as low as 0.007 W/m.K, OPTIM-R provides a versatile and cost-effective solution for insulating walls and floors.
OPTIM-R is perfect for retrofitting balconies, terraces, and roofs, and is compatible with most major roofing membrane systems. This innovative and energy-efficient product can also help building owners meet more stringent energy-efficiency and carbon emission regulations.
In addition to being one of the world’s thinnest insulation products, OPTIM-R is backed by Kingspan’s optimum technical support service, including expert technical advice and detailed drawings for every project. This ensures that OPTIM-R panels are installed effectively within the space.
Kingspan OPTIM-R panels are made from a specially-formulated resin that does not react to solvents and is therefore suitable for a wide range of projects. However, Kingspan OPTIM-R panels are not suitable for walk-on applications and should not be cut for installation. However, you can cut OPTIM-R flex strips with a sharp knife. In either case, it is important to ensure that the substrate is level and free of moisture. OPTIM-R insulation is designed to last a long time and be cost-effective for the building owner.
Kingspan’s OPTIM-R is available in a variety of thicknesses, from a single mm up to three centimetres thick. The resulting wall insulation offers excellent thermal and sound insulation properties, and is the perfect solution for problems such as cold-bridging. OPTIM-R is also available in a pre-bonded protective layer that ensures product protection and reduces installation time.
It reduces u-value
The U-value of a solid wall is a key measure of thermal resistance. A solid wall’s U-value depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of the material, moisture content and the presence of air cavities. Understanding U-values is important when comparing different materials, as they are a key indicator of their thermal performance.
As the thickness of the wall increases, the u-value will decrease. In the UK, bricks are sized differently than in the US and the UK. These differences result from different manufacturing tolerances, as well as imperial or metric standards. Therefore, it is best to measure the thickness of a solid wall and make comparisons accordingly.
The results from the study indicate that reducing the U-value of solid walls can significantly reduce heating demand. It is important to note, however, that this reduction is minor compared to the overall heat loss of the UK’s housing stock. For example, under scenario ‘b’, the U-value of the solid walls is reduced by approximately 400 MW K-1, while the modelled total heat loss for the English stock is over six GW K-1.
The U-values of solid walls are a significant source of uncertainty in the energy performance of dwellings. While the typical UK solid wall has a U-value of 2.1 Wm-2 K-1, studies conducted by the Energy Saving Trust, Glasgow Caledonian University, Historic Scotland, and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings have found that the U-values of solid walls can be much lower.
A lumped thermal mass U-value calculation is another way to calculate the wall’s U-value. It is shorter than the widely used ISO 9869 method and estimates the effective thermal mass of the wall. For brick and stone walls, the average effective thermal mass is 197 +-117 KJm-2 K-1.
It improves comfort
If you’re looking for ways to improve comfort in your home, thin internal wall insulation may be the solution. This type of insulation is made from fibrous materials such as mineral wool, fiberglass, rock, and plastic foam. It’s sold in smaller sections called batts, which are designed to fit into specific areas of a wall.
It conceals internal historic finishing
The use of thin internal wall insulation (TIWI) can reduce the space available within a room, affecting internal historic finishing. A recent BEIS/Leeds Beckett study investigated the impact of TIWI on historic properties. It involved six complementary research phases, aimed at producing a balanced evaluation of TIWI systems.