Important considerations when using PAVATEX wood-fibre insulation for projects

PAVATEX is a natural wood-fibre insulation that can be used in both residential and commercial projects. And with sustainability playing an ever-increasing part in construction projects in the years to come, natural insulation is likely to be more widely used because it offers improved energy efficiency while being a more environmentally friendly product. In this blog, we look at the important considerations when implementing PAVATEX insulation into a building’s design.

Consideration #1: where to use it

PAVATEX ISOLAIR MULTI, part of the PAVATEX range, is mainly used in sarking of sub-roof pitched roofs and ventilated façades and is also suitable for internal and external walls. Made from fully recycled wood chips, it’s appropriate for any circular construction project where sustainability is top of mind.

Available in a range of thicknesses from 30mm to 200mm, the PAVATEX pitched roof system can be used with various roof finishes, including low profile tiles, high profile tiles, plain tiles as well as various finishes such as slate tiles, metal finish on structural decking and decking with a green roof system.

One of the advantages of using natural insulation is that it can be exposed to the elements for up to three months as temporary roofing during construction. The wood-fibre board is vapour-permeable, moisture regulating and wind and rain resistant. It also offers proven fire resistance and sound protection. In addition, the high density of the boards makes PAVATEX an ideal insulation for lightweight buildings with timber or stainless-steel structure, helping the building to achieve higher mass, similar to brick or cement structures.

Consideration #2: ventilation

When working with wood-fibre insulation, it’s essential to consider ventilation. At the design stage for pitched roofs, it is extremely important to incorporate external ventilation, as this ensures the insulation’s breathability and moisture regulating properties are fully used and are not prevented from working properly.

As a moisture-regulating insulation, PAVATEX ISOLAIR MULTI “works with the moisture”; that is, it allows moisture to move within a wall, or roof build up, regulating it at safe levels and expelling any which might get into the material, preventing mould growth.

Consideration #3: cladding

When it comes to using PAVATEX ISOLAIR MULTI for façades, it is important to specify the appropriate cladding or render finishing system to ensure the whole structure can breathe. Render can be applied directly onto PAVATEX ISOLAIR MULTI insulation boards, but it must be a specially designed render for wood-fibre insulation. In the case of open façade cladding, the installation of a UV-resistant membrane, such as SOPLUTEC UV, is required. At Soprema, we provide different vapour-permeable airtight membranes for roofs and façades, depending on the project requirements.

Our comprehensive 60-page installation manual includes key details such as roofing angles where breathable membranes are required. For example, roofs at an angle of greater than 18 degrees don’t necessarily need a breathable membrane, whereas roofs at a pitch of between 15 and 18 degrees must have one. When it comes to site setup, we recommend careful planning as key to minimising wastage. The manual also outlines the installation process in detail, including what accessories and tools are needed to complete a job with PAVATEX.

Get in touch

If you are interested in finding more about our solutions, the technical services we offer, or you are interested in discussing how to incorporate our systems in a specific project, please do not hesitate to contact our technical experts. To find out more about our PAVATEX wood fibre insulation, please visit our product page.