Isover launches space age steel frame insulation system SF3+

This latest innovation from Isover offers a non-combustible, eco-friendly solution to the increasingly onerous requirements of Part L without increasing the thickness of a building’s walls and consequently reducing the internal footprint. The standard system can already deliver U-values below 0.24 W/m2K



To help specifiers reduce carbon footprints, Isover’s innovative SF3+ system for use in lightweight steel frame infill walling comprises three elements – steel frame infill batts, steel frame batts and self-adhesive cavity barriers, all of which are Euroclass A fire rated and therefore far superior in terms of product combustibility than foam plastic insulation products.



One further option that can be used in conjunction with the SF3+ system is Isover’s unique intelligent climate membrane Vario that delivers exceptional benefits for air leakage control and protection against toxic fumes.



For thermal, fire and acoustic insulation, the 1,200mm x 1,200mm foil faced steel frame batts are simply fixed to the outside of the steel studwork and the 1,200mm x 600mm steel frame infill batts then push-fitted between the studs.



The 1,200mm x 1,200mm slabs are installed with the water-repellent foil facing the brickwork cavity. The reinforced foil has a low emissivity and is micro-perforated, allowing the building to breath at the same time as it makes it weatherproof.



Isover’s non-combustible self-adhesive cavity barriers, which were specially developed to provide fire resistance and flanking sound transmission in concealed wall cavities, are then adhered to the foil face of the steel frame batts in the brickwork cavity for fire and acoustic requirements.



Tested and approved for use in Metsec steel framing systems, Isover’s SF3+ system is difficult to damage in storage, during transport or on site when installing, and once on site is easy to install. It also negates the need for polyurethane that is not a sustainable product.



Isover’s head of innovation Gerry Mitchell said: “Non-domestic buildings in particular have huge carbon reduction targets to achieve which would previously have been met by a knee jerk reaction of using thicker insulation in wider walls, typically using insulation materials which in terms of recycled content and recyclability are not particularly green. Isover’s environmentally-friendly mineral wool system negates the need for thicker insulation beyond the stud framework, dealing with the problem at its core.”