House builders and developers looking to achieve lower U-values within their cavity wall constructions will find it even easier thanks to NEW Cavity-Plus from Xtratherm.
Through constant innovation the company has managed to improve the thermal performance of its Thin-R rigid insulation from a lambda value of 0.023 to 0.021. The cavity resistance of the product has also been improved through the use of an enhanced foil facing.

Part L Revision also places greater emphasis on Continuity of Insulation in the form of Robust Detailing and because Cavity Plus includes tongue and groove construction to all four edges and pre-formed corners it meets with recommended best practice. Its innovative pre-formed corners also ensure continuity of insulation which is now mandatory within the ‘Accredited Detailing’ in ADL.

“This is a major breakthrough in the performance of rigid foam insulation,” explains Danny Kearney Technical Manager at Xtratherm. “Cavity-Plus has been released in response to demand from developers, contractors and specifiers for more thermally efficient products. It provides the performance necessary to improve the energy efficiency levels for new buildings, as well as being extremely easy to fit. We have communicated the benefits of Cavity-Plus by stamping the low emissivity foil with ‘achieving lower u-values’ stating exactly what it does on the foil!”

Cavity-Plus enables developers to achieve the required lower U-values whilst still retaining a residual cavity within the wall; the most effective method of protecting a building from the effects of wind-driven rain. The product is BBA certified to these new values.

Cavity-Plus is already gaining widespread acceptance in the building sector because it enables housebuilders to retain current site practices, including standard wall thicknesses, whilst still meeting the new regulations.

Danny Kearney explains: “Product innovation is at the heart of creating energy efficient homes for the future. As manufacturers of high performance rigid insulation we recognise our part in providing thermally-efficient products that enable housebuilders to conform to tighter regulations as well as complementing both traditional and new build methods.”

Xtratherm provides a comprehensive range of wall, roof and floor insulation products specifically designed to meet Building Regulations and the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes. All products are manufactured under quality systems approved under EN ISO 9001: 2000 along with ISO14001 and ISO18001 certification.

Email: katie.stewart@xtratherm