Under new ownership following its acquisition by the Soprema Group last year, Celotex has long been known as a leading provider of PIR insulation. PBM puts the questions to the brand’s Technical Director Mike Vaczi about the brand’s latest developments.
Q: What is Celotex XPS insulation, and what are the benefits of stocking it?
A: Following our acquisition by Soprema, we are excited to introduce Celotex XPS (extruded polystyrene) — a rigid foam insulation board designed to provide thermal insulation and compressive strength, making it suitable for specialist high-load-bearing applications.
XPS is particularly valued for its compressive strength, making it suitable for a diverse range of applications. The product is available in three different compressive strengths — 300 kPa, 500 kPa and 700 kPa — and this allows for flexibility in specifying the correct insulation for use in suspended concrete ground floors, above or below the damp-proof membrane (DPM) in ground-bearing concrete floors, in new and existing domestic and non-domestic buildings.
In addition to its compressive strength, Celotex XPS contributes to energy efficiency by providing a thermal conductivity of 0.032 W/(m·K), supporting compliance with Building Regulations Part L.
Celotex XPS boards are lightweight compared to traditional mineral-based insulation, reducing transport energy consumption. The boards can be cut using a hot wire, saw, or cutter, allowing for simple and precise trimming.
Another key advantage of Celotex XPS is its closed-cell structure, which results in minimal moisture absorption. When the products are used on a ground-bearing floor or a suspended concrete floor, an AVCL should be installed on the warm side of the insulation to mitigate the risk of interstitial condensation unless a risk assessment determines this is unnecessary.
Q: Can you give us more detail on the applications the products are suitable for?
A: Celotex XPS insulation is a versatile product suitable for various construction applications, particularly residential flooring installations. For below-ground applications, such as foundations and basements, Celotex XPS is an ideal solution due to its moisture-resistant properties. It is widely used in flooring applications, where its compressive strength provides additional benefits.
“We provide comprehensive support from the design stage to installation. Our technical support team offers expert guidance on insulation specifications and best practices.”
Q: And how does the new range stand out from other insulation materials?
A: When compared to other insulation options, Celotex XPS provides high moisture resistance due to its closed-cell structure, making it suitable for below-ground applications. It also provides greater compressive strength than EPS and PIR, making it a preferred option for load-bearing applications.
Additionally, Celotex XPS retains its insulation properties over time when installed correctly.
Q: What technical support and training do you offer the merchant network?
A: We provide comprehensive support from the design stage to installation. Our technical support team offers expert guidance on insulation specifications and best practices. Additionally, Celotex provides an online U-value calculator to assist in determining accurate insulation performance for various applications.
For merchant customers seeking further details, product documentation and technical guides are available. If specific project requirements need to be addressed, the Celotex technical team can provide tailored recommendations and support to ensure the best insulation solutions are implemented.
Q: What are the installer considerations when using Celotex XPS?
A: Correct installation of Celotex XPS insulation is essential to achieving its designed thermal and compressive performance. Before installation, it is important to ensure the surface is level and clean. Additionally, moisture protection should be considered, for example an air and vapour control layer may be required in certain applications to prevent condensation-related issues.
Selecting the right XPS grade is crucial, as different applications require varying levels of compressive strength. Finally, to maintain the sustainability benefits of Celotex XPS, any offcuts should be disposed of responsibly where suitable recycling facilities exist.
We provide installation guides with recommended practices for different applications at Celotex.co.uk.
Q: What role does Celotex XPS play in floor insulation?
A: Floor insulation is an essential component in modern construction, providing energy efficiency and improved thermal comfort. Celotex XPS insulation is particularly effective in a variety of flooring applications. For concrete floors, it offers high compressive strength, making it an excellent choice for environments where durability and load resistance are critical.
Additionally, when used in underfloor heating systems, it reduces heat loss and contributes to improved thermal performance.
Q: Finally, how would you say Celotex XPS can contribute to energy efficiency?
A: Energy efficiency in buildings has become increasingly important due to rising energy costs and stricter regulatory requirements. Celotex XPS insulation plays a crucial role in improving energy performance by minimising heat loss. This insulation material helps buildings achieve lower energy consumption by providing excellent U-values, supporting overall thermal performance.
By ensuring U-value calculations align with BS 5250:2021 recommendations, Celotex XPS supports compliance with industry standards such as Building Regulations Part L and the Future Homes Standard. Its long-term durability ensures that it retains its energy efficiency throughout a building’s lifespan.
Choosing Celotex XPS insulation for your construction projects can contribute to reducing heating and cooling demands, leading to lower carbon emissions and cost savings.
Click here for more information on Celotex XPS insulation.
