Knauf Insulation’s Earthwool RainScreen Slab has been certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) for use in high-rise residential applications.
The BBA certification follows the December 2018 update to Approved Document B, which mandates the use of non-combustible materials achieving a Euroclass Reaction to Fire Classification of A1 or A2 s1-d0 in the external walls of certain buildings over 18m in height. Earthwool RainScreen Slab has the best possible Euroclass Reaction to Fire classification of A1.
“Non-combustible insulation is the best choice for architects, specifiers and contractors as it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire,” said Steve Smith, head of product management and business intelligence at Knauf Insulation. “With the government consulting on further changes to Approved Document B, it’s prudent to use non-combustible insulation in every application, not just high-rise façades. This BBA certificate ensures customers specifying or installing Earthwool RainScreen Slab can have absolute confidence in its quality and performance.”
Earthwool RainScreen Slab has a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. When closely butted together the slabs will interlock, eliminating air leakage. It is said to offer superior robustness and durability, with a water-repellent additive to preserve its integrity while exposed during construction. It has been wind load tested by the Building Research Establishment to a maximum design pressure of 3,600Pa or 76m/s – the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane.
Earthwool RainScreen Slab is optimised for ease of installation. The improved robustness of the product is said to make it easy to manoeuvre in place, and it is designed to adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate.
Earthwool RainScreen Slab is manufactured using ECOSE Technology, Knauf Insulation’s patented bio-based binder, which makes the manufacture of its products 70% less energy-intensive compared to mineral wool products made using traditional formaldehyde-based binders.
For more information on Earthwool RainScreen Slab, visit www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/products/earthwool-rainscreen-slab
