Actis Triso Super 10

About Actis Triso Super 10 ... now achieving a uValue of 0.19 W/m2.K

Actis Triso Super 10 is a new, improved, version of the popular Tri Iso Super 9 insulation. It gives increased thermal efficiency and is still only 30mm thick!

This product has been tested under real conditions by TRADA Technology Limited and certified by BM TRADA Certification Limited - (Certificate n°0102, issued on April 3, 2006) as being the equivalent to 210 mm of mineral wool.

However, we recommend that users check with their local Building Control regarding Part L Building Regulations issued on April 6, 2006, before purchasing this product.  

Further benefits include, seals roof against wind and damp, while retaining ventilation; retains more warmth in winter; prevents loft overheating in the summer; saves valuable living space; beams and rafters may be left exposed.
Actis insulation products prevent heat loss through drafts and air leakage, reflect natural radiation, are impervious to water droplets, and, through the use of layers of foam and wadding, contain the effects of conduction within the insulation itself.

Triso Super 10 Properties ...

Benefits ...

Efficient both in summer and winter

Space saving 30mm thick!

Quick and easy to install

Flexible can fit the most difficult of roofs

Durable - will not sag, moisture resistant

Non-irritant, hypoallergenic

Composition ...

19 Layers, 8 of which are Reflective Films ...

  2 tear-resistant reinforced reflective metallic films

  6 internal reflective films

  3 layers of soft, flexible wadding

  8 layers of closed cell foam

Physical Characteristics: Actis Triso Super 10 ...

Uncompressed thickness 30mm

Surface weight: 650g/m2

Thickness according to NF G07 - 150: 20mm

Acoustic reduction Rw = 61dB

Break strength:-
    Warp > 500 N BS EN ISO 13934-1   Weft > 400 N BS EN ISO 13934-1

Tear strength:-
    Warp > 50 N BS EN ISO 13937-2    Weft > 60 N BS EN ISO 13937-2

Temperature minimum -40c ... maximum 70c

Roll size: 1.6m x 6.25m = 10m2   Weight: 7kg

Roll size: 1.6m x 12.5m = 20m2   Weight: 14kg

Why you should select Actis Triso Super 10 ...

Actis multi-reflective foils first appeared on the market in 1981. Since then the technology has evolved technically, their effectiveness have been proven in the market for more than 20 years and the European market size for thin multi-reflective foils grows every year.

The technology used by thin multi-reflective foils (IMTR), which is based on the limitation of the transfers of energy by radiation and convection allows, compared with traditional insulators, to obtain a maximum effectiveness within a minimum space. This alternative solution is particularly important for projects where the space saving is an essential criteria. Also thin multi-reflective foils offer superior performance in the protection against summer heat in constructions.

The technicality of these insulators is not confined with the simple alignment of reflecting films and synthetic wadding. The development of these types of insulator is a synergy defined by the component count, the number of film reflectors, the intrinsic quality of each component and their organisation in the complex structure.

The European laboratories, not having another base of work than that defined by the standards in force tend to use the conventional tools to test the thin multi-reflective foils (IMTR). This step is legitimate and the results obtained with guarded hot box are not called into question. It is the relevance of the results and the extrapolation made which is criticisable. With a non suitable method one obtains non suitable results.
Tests in laboratories, according to conventional methods described by the norms have been conducted for over 20 years!
These tests, essentially done with Guarded Hot Box in accordance with the ISO 8990 norm, or Guarded Hot Plates in accordance with NF X 10022 show poor results when testing multi-reflective foils, the results of such tests are of no value when declaring the actual performance of thin multi-reflective foils.

We have conducted these tests ourselves, in our laboratories, using the same tools. In the test environment described by the actual norm, we get the same results crediting the Thin multi-reflective insulation (IMTR) with an R between R=0.6 or R=1.9 whether the insulation product is tested with or without an air cavity.

BM Trada Certification

Actis Triso Super 10 is a certificated product, replacing Actis Triso Super 9, and has been independently tested by TRADA TECHNOLOGY (TTL) and it carries a BM TRADA Q Mark. TTL recognised the importance of testing products in a live environment. This method demonstrates the performance of a product over time, how it performs in differing external conditions and gives a true representation of thermal performance.

TTL conducted tests on Triso Super 9 to assess its compliance with British Standards/Building Regulations, and, following the analysis of the data collected from the field trials, verified that Triso Super 9 is equivalent in performance to 200mm of glass wool.

The certification tests were based on comparative tests using two identical cells. Both cells were closely situated together and so experienced the same real external conditions and the same controlled internal conditions. This is set out in the following extract from ... BM Trada Certificate 0101:

The construction of the test cells, the instruments used on the Actis research and development site for measuring and recording physical values, the trial methodology and rigour of the testing and calibration procedures were considered to be suitable for comparative testing of the Actis roof insulation product Triso Super 10 and mineral wool insulation.

The methodology has since been reviewed by an independent expert academic at Imperial College London, who has confirmed that, in his view, the methodology used enabled a valid comparative measurement to be taken.

Hot Box Test, BS EN ISO 8990:1996

The hot box test prescribed by BS EN ISO 8990:1996 records the thermal performance of an insulating material in a static controlled environment. Accordingly, the test takes no account of external temperature variances/changes in humidity or the impact that real life conditions such as wind, sun or rain may have on the thermal performance of the material under test.

Actis do not subscribe to this testing methodology but believe that actual in situ performance is a more relevant indicator of real thermal performance. Consequently, Actis brought Judicial Review proceedings against the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and, on Friday 2 November 2007, the Administrative Court found in favour of Actis in these proceedings. As a result of these proceedings, the provisions of the 2006 version of BR 443 which relate to multi-foil products have been declared inapplicable and unenforceable.

Actis have installed over 35million square metres of Triso Super 9 throughout Europe over the last 24 years. Triso Super 9 has an excellent reputation for solving space problems in construction, and from these most challenging of projects Triso Super 9 achieves excellent thermal performance.

Actis have continued to test Triso Super 9 in a live environment over prolonged winter periods and have found that the fuel usage needed to maintain a constant temperature in a building insulated with Triso Super 9 is consistent with the performance of 200mm of
Glass /Mineral wool in a similar environment.

Download TRISO-SUPER 10 Data Sheet V2007

Applications

Under rafter application

Roll insulation horizontally, starting along the bottom of the roof.
Batten horizontally between rafters, allowing joint to be stapled and taped : - Staple every 50mm (Galvanised 14mm staples). - Overlap joints 50-100mm - Cover joint with our metallic tape.
Fix vertical battens ensuring a minimum air gap of 20mm between the insulation and the membrane
Fix breathable membrane following manufacturers instructions.

Under rafter application alternative

Unroll the insulation, starting along the top of the roof
Batten horizontally between rafters, allowing joint to be stapled and taped - Staple every 50mm (Galvanised 14mm staples) - Overlap joints 50-100mm - Cover joint with metallic tape
At the bottom of the roof pitch, staple the insulation directly onto the timber wall plate.
Battens (25x35mm min.) should be fixed in line using appropriate nails, ensuring that there is always a minimum air gap of 20mm between the insulation and the plasterboard

Over rafter application

Roll insulation horizontally, starting along the bottom of the roof.

Insert timber support (as noggin) between rafters, enabling joint to be stapled and taped securely.

Staple every 50mm (galvanised staples, 14mm minimum).

Overlap joints 50-100mm and staple the joints every 50mm.
Cover joints with 100mm adhesive tape foil tape.

Fix vertical battens in line with the rafters ensuring an air gap of 25mm minimum between the insulation and the membrane.

Fix membrane to manufacturer's instructions.

Installation GuidelinesInternal roof timbers can be left exposed.
Continuous insulation, reduces bridging.

Airtight and weather resistant.

Saves surface area and living space.

Essential rules of installation

1. Ensure an air gap on either side of the insulation.

2. Ventilation: Vapour permeable underlay

Ensure an air gap of 25mm minimum between the insulation and the breather membrane.
The membrane should have a vapour resistance less than 0.25MNs/g.

.

3. Pull the insulation taut and staple to the rafters and horizontal support battens using galvanised staples, 14mm minimum.
20mm stainless steel staples are recommended.

4. Overlap the insulation from 50-100mm at each joint and staple every 50mm onto the rafter or horizontal support batten.

5. Cover all the joints with Actis Isodhesif tape to give an air tight finish.

6. Fold all finishing edges under by 50mm minimum and staple every 50mm or trap with a final batten.

7. Roofing Felt: Ensure an air gap of 50mm minimum between the insulation and the felt, with ventilation from eaves to ridge according to British Standards

Actis Triso-Super 10 Flat Roof Applications

Actis has not tested Triso Super 10 in a fl at roof application, so is not qualified to offer a solution based on testing and certification.

Triso Super 10 is primarily designed, tested and certified for pitched roof applications; however it can be used for insulation in a flat roof subject to the following:

Triso Super 10 does not have certification for use in flat roofs, so you should always refer to your local Building Control for project approval before installation.

Triso Super 10 is only suitable for simple flat roofs, used in domestic scale architecture, for areas such as dormer roofs and extensions.

Ventilation of the void below the impervious waterproof surface finish is essential. If good cross flow ventilation cannot be provided then Triso Super 10 should not be used.

Using Actis Triso Super 10 horizontally in a loft space, over existing insulation, to upgrade the thermal performance.Actis Triso Super 10 has no certification for installation in this application.

Actis would suggest other insulation options within this application, due to possible condensation risk when using two differing insulation types.

Please contact the Actis technical department for further details.

Installing down lighters in insulated ceilings?

Actis does not generally encourage the use of recess lighting in any insulated ceiling. Using down lighters in insulated ceilings can cause problems due to the conflict between fire performance and air tightness / thermal performance requirements.

It may be possible to combine recess lighting with Triso Super 10 insulation using specialist enclosures or other solutions.

Holes should not be cut in the insulation to allow for lighting as this reduces the thermal integrity of the system.

The type of fixings to use

It is recommended that battens are nailed at 150mm centres using maximum 45mm nails, preferably ring shank.

Plasterboard should be fixed with maximum 30mm Gypsum or Drywall screws at 300mm centres.

Screwing directly through Triso Super 10 is not recommended as many screws will catch on the separating wadding.

 

The size of battens to be used when installing Triso Super 10

Triso Super 10 should be fixed to the rafters with a 25mm batten minimum, however 38mm is recommended in certain applications such as between the Triso Super 10 and a boarded roof. The battens"™ primary purpose is to provide an air gap between the insulation and any other element. Triso Super 10 principally provides its thermal performance by reducing thermal transfer through radiation, and the air gap is required to force thermal transfer to take place via radiation. If an element such as plasterboard is in contact with the Triso Super 10 heat transfer can occur through conduction, which reduces the thermal performance of the system and should therefore be avoided.

Using two types of insulation in a pitched roof

There is sufficient third party information to suggest that combinations of differing insulation types including multi foils can perform to expected levels.

Triso Super 10 has been used successfully on many projects in conjunction with third party insulation. We are confident, for example, of the performance in terms of vapour when low density wool type insulation is used on the outside of the multi-foil insulation.

However, Actis cannot offer full assurances of the performance of such systems particularly in terms of condensation risk for the life of the roof as this has not been tested or certified.

When considering using a third party insulation with the Triso Super 10 system, either because they want to offer an improved thermal performance or at the request of building control, then Actis recommends that the insulation with the higher vapour resistivity be placed on the inside, and would always suggest a vapour control layer is installed to the back of the plasterboard.

The tape to use, and quantity required

All testing of Triso Super 10 has been carried out using Actis Isodhesif tape, therefore this tape is recommended by Actis. There are 50 linear metres on a single roll of tape and roughly one roll of tape should be used with each 20m2 roll of Triso Super 10. Actis agree that if Actis Isodhesif tape is not available then foil tape, 75mm wide minimum, can be used as an alternative. Just-Insulation supplies Idenden T303  aluminised tape 100mm wide by 45 meters long.

Actis recommend that duct tape or electrical tape should not be used to fix the Triso Super 10 insulation system.

Precautions to take in terms of fire performance?

Actis insulation is designed to be installed behind a fire safe surface such as plasterboard. The insulation should not be left exposed in a habitable space as this would not comply with Approved Document B of the Building Regulations.

Care should be taken during the installation stage not to expose Triso Super 10 to a heat source such as a blowtorch.

Actis Triso-Super 10 Walls Applications

Triso Super 10 has been tested and certified for use on pitched roofs. TRADA certificate 0102 also allows for the use of Triso Super 10 on walls such as gable walls, dormer cheeks and other verticals within the roof space. These walls are to be less than 40% of the overall area to be insulated. Triso Super 10 has been installed successfully on walls throughout the UK, specifically in the refurbishment of homes where space is limited. However, local building control should always be contacted before installation to ensure approval.

Actis Triso Super 10 can affect TV and mobile phone reception

Due to the reflective nature of the Triso Super 10 insulation TV or mobile phone signals could possibly be affected. This would only happen where there is a weak signal and the aerial is completely surrounded by the insulation, such as in a loft space. Actis recommends the aerial is outside the insulated space if the signal is weak.

The Actis Guarantee

At the present time, in situ measurement is the only tool that gives the characterization of multi-layer thermo reflective insulators objectively possible.

The test methodology is the object of many internal and external audits, ensuring the relevance of the results recorded. It is in this context that TRADA TECHNOLOGY LTD has, since 1997 evaluated the means implemented for these tests and certified the results obtained on the cells of In situ tests.

Today, in excess of 35 million sq meters have been installed for more than 20 years. Our experience shows that after more than 15 years of use our insulators preserve the quasi totality of their characteristics.

Actis insulation ruling foils government

Building 2007 issue 48 ... by Thomas Lane

Actis, which makes thermo-reflective insulation products, obtained the ruling from the High Court after it complained that the communities department had failed to consult properly over a testing method that discriminated against its "multifoil insulation"� product.

Mr Justice Charles, the judge at the hearing, said of the guidance, known as BR 443, that " fair procedure was not followed in making the revision"�.

He ruled that the use of BR 443 to test multifoils would be unenforceable until the proper procedures had been complied with. He also instructed the government to circulate guidance on multifoil insulation and an explanation of the judgment to building control officers.

Actis said its market share had been damaged after changes to rules on performance testing last year when the communities department wrote to building control bodies saying they should only accept results from a test called the "hotbox"�.

"A fair and appropriate procedure was not followed on BR 443"�

Mr Justice Charles

Actis said its products suffered as the test favoured conventional insulation products, and that conventional insulation manufacturers had been involved in the consultation.

It added that although the communities department had offered multifoil manufacturers a period of grace to develop their products to meet European standards, during which BR 443 would not apply, the communities department then withdrew this concession without explanation.

The communities department will now write to building control bodies advising them on how insulation can comply with the Building Regulations.

ASA Adjudications (Advertising Standards Authority) April 23, 2008

Actis had advertised that Triso Super 9 was the equivalent of 200mm of mineral wool. The adjudication upheld a complaint against this claim, and against the assertion that it had a thermal value of 5m²K/W.

Actis Technical Enquires

Please contact Actis directly, by telephone on 01249 446123

Manufacturer

Actis Insulation Limited, Unit 1 Cornbrash Park - Bumpers Way,
Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate, Chippenham Wilts - SN14 6RA
Tel. 01249 462 888 - Fax. 01249 446 345 - Email: solutions@actis-isolation.com

Page updated November 10, 2008