Actis regional specification manager Amaret Chahal was among the expert speakers at a roofing masterclass at the recent Offsite Expo at the former Ricoh Arena in Coventry
She was invited by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors to talk about how the Actis Hybrid insulation range could be used in MMC scenarios.
Chahal talked about the benefits of honeycomb style insulation Actis Hybris, specialised roofing breather membrane Boost R Hybrid Roof and insulating vapour control layer H Control Hybrid.
The range is popular with timber frame manufacturers as well as traditional builders and Actis is a great believer in the benefits afforded by offsite construction including speed of delivery and thermal efficiency.
“As well as enabling us to create more homes in less time, the fabric of the buildings means they can perform better thermally. The airtight envelope means they can consume less energy and leak less heat and can thus help the UK reach its 2050 net zero carbon target,” explained Amaret Chahal.
Eliminating thermal bridging
Products in Actis’ CE marked Hybrid range are particularly praised for their ability to eliminate thermal bridging thanks to their flexible nature, which means they can bend around corners and mould into gaps.
“Energy efficiency standards should always be based on reducing the need for energy first and limiting the heat loss through thermal elements – that is through achieving excellent U-values, reducing thermal bridging and improving airtightness – the fabric first principle,” she said.
Breather membranes Boost R Hybrid and Boost R Hybrid Roof also massively reduce the risk of interstitial condensation occurring, improving overall air tightness and U-values with an external insulation solution. They also protect the building from precipitation and wind-driven rain when installed correctly.
“HControl Hybrid works not only as a vapour barrier, but also as a good thermal insulation and can be installed in a continuous application joining elements together more seamlessly.
“This is unlike other insulation types which need to be used with a separate moisture barrier,” she explained.
“This makes the risk of thermal bridging very small. It is airtight and moisture resistant and is comfortable in summer and winter.
“In addition, its thinness saves space and makes it lighter to transport, it is super quick and easy to install, flexible and forgiving and isn’t reliant on specialist workmanship.”
