EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION SYSTEMS / MINERAL FIBRE /
TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
ACCREDITATION & PERFORMANCE
The PermaRock Mineral Fibre System has been assessed both by BRE-Certifications (WIMLAS Certificate No. 029/95) and BBA (BBA certificate No. 87/1800).
Accreditation confirms the system’s suitability for use on masonry, dense and no-fines concrete, timber frame and metal frame walls.
The system has an assessed lifetime in excess of thirty years.
AIR LEAKAGE
Buildings that are clad with the PermaRock Mineral Fibre system exhibit minimal air leakage through the external walls. Performance standards for air leakage are set out in CIBSE TM23.
CONDENSATION CONTROL
PermaRock advises assessment of condensation risk in accordance with BS 5250. Full and comprehensive condensation risk and U-value analyses can be provided for specific wall constructions under any combination of environmental conditions and for any building usage.
DENSITY AND STRENGTH
PermaRock Mineral Fibre Insulation Boards have an average density of approx. 115 kg/m3 and minimum compressive strength of 25 kPa.
DURABILITY
The PermaRock Mineral Fibre system has a long and enviable track record in the UK and has performed in areas of very severe exposure without failure or problems for in excess of 25 years.
The assessed lifetime of the system is in excess of 30 years in accordance with BRE-Certifications WIMLAS Certificate No. 029/95 and BBA Certificate 87/1800.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Buildings insulated with the PermaRock Mineral Fibre system can achieve very low U-values resulting in considerable reductions in heat loss and energy, leading to lower CO2 emissions.
PermaRock Mineral Fibre Insulation Boards are CFC and HCFC free and do not employ ozone depleting chemicals in their manufacture - the system has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of <5.
PermaRock Mineral Fibre insulation has an embodied energy of approx. 91 MJ/m2 (60 mm thick).
FIRE PERFORMANCE
PermaRock Mineral Fibre System insulation is classified Class A1 under BS EN 1350-1: 2002 when tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 1182: 2002. The system is a Class O surface when tested to BS 476 Parts 6 and 7.
The system is suitable for use on all buildings, including high-rise multi-storey buildings, meeting the requirements of BR135 ‘Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings’ when tested to BS 8414 Part 1.
The PermaRock Mineral Fibre System does not require additional fire-stops, and the system can be used in close proximity to notional boundaries and adjacent buildings.
The system achieves in excess of 120 minutes of resistance and integrity when tested to BS 476-22:1987.
IMPACT RESISTANCE
The PermaRock Mineral Fibre system can withstand mechanical impact and abrasion without cracking or spalling.
Resistance to soft and hard bodies complies with the recommendations of BRE publication BRE 6/81. Depending on specification, systems can achieve levels of impact resistance ranging from approx. 4J to in excess of 40J.
SERVICE TEMPERATURE
The PermaRock Mineral Fibre System has high flexibility and can be designed to withstand the thermal shocks associated with climatic changes and will provide effective service at temperatures ranging from -20 ºC to +80 ºC.
The high thermal stability of PermaRock Mineral Fibre insulation enables the use of decorative finishes with low lightness factors without risk of cracking or distortion.
WATER RESISTANCE
In-house testing and extensive assessment by BRE-Certifications have confirmed the performance of the PermaRock Mineral Fibre External Wall Insulation System in relation to water penetration resistance.
The system is classified as Type 4 insulating cladding for permeability to water, as defined in UEAtc MOAT No. 45.
The system is suitable for geographical areas including those classified as having very severe exposure to wind driven rain (BS 5628: Part 3 and BS 8104).
WATER VAPOUR PERMEABILITY
PermaRock Mineral Fibre Insulation board has a water vapour resistivity of 6.2 MNs/gm. The PermaRock Mineral Fibre system with 50 mm insulation and dry dash aggregate finish has a measured vapour resistance (BS7374) of < 6 MNs/g.
WIND RESISTANCE
The system is designed to withstand high wind load and suction pressure. The values should be calculated in accordance with BS 6399: Part 2 (1997). In tests conducted at the BRE, PermaRock systems tested at a design load of -4 kPa showed no visible damage after being subject to wind suction loads representing 50 years exposure. The system has also been successfully tested at loads of up to -9 kPa.