Isover Saint-Gobain, the world’s leading manufacturer and innovator in mineral wool insulation, will be presenting its recently launched unique intelligent climate membrane specifically developed for timber frame construction which delivers exceptional benefits for air leakage control, moisture management and protection against toxic fumes, and is designed as a complete system to deliver ease of installation.

Based on polyamide rather than polyethylene as conventional vapour barriers are, the Vario climate membrane intelligently adapts to changing climatic conditions. The Vario climate membrane acts like human skin. In the winter, when relative humidity and temperature reduce, the micropores of the membrane close, preventing vapour from the warm interior diffusing into the timber structure and so protecting against potentially damaging interstitial condensation. In the summer, when relative humidity and temperature increase, the membrane’s micropores open, allowing vapour to escape and diffuse harmlessly into the building interior.

The Vario system comprises purpose designed tapes and sealants as well as the climate membrane. As a complete system, Vario helps specifiers to meet and exceed the airtightness focus of Part L of the new Building Regulations as well as the standards imposed by the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes, reveals the company’s press release. In air leakage terms, the first UK trial showed just how effective the Vario system is – delivering 5.8m³/m²/hr @ 50P compared to acceptable market average of 10m³/m²/hr. In Europe where the system has been extensively used, it has consistently achieved air leakage rates of less than 3m3/h/m2 defined as best practice by the Energy Saving Trust.