| Cool in Summer
- When the outside temperature increases and begins
to heat the wool, it releases moisture; that has a cooling effect on the
fibre which reduces the flow of heat to the inside of the building. This
can reduce peak temperature by up to 7 c when compared to buildings in
which alternative forms of insulation are installed.
Warm in Winter - In the winter the absorption of moisture by wool
insulation can increase peak temperature by up to 4 c when compared to
buildings in which alternative forms of insulation are installed.
Naturally Breathable - Thermafleece, being hygroscopic, can absorb
and desorb water vapour without compromising its thermal efficiency. It is
therefore ideal for use in roofs and timber framed walls designed to avoid
a damaging build-up of moisture by allowing water vapour to migrate
through the structure. In this type of construction, Thermafleece is the
perfect partner for a vapour-permeable breather membrane used on the cold
side of the thermal insulation to prevent the infiltration of cold air and
wind driven rain and dirt. Heat loss by convection is also substantially
reduced because the insulation is protected by the breather membrane
preventing air movement across the surface.
Condensation Control - Wool generates heat when it absorbs
moisture from the air. That energy is known as the heat of sorption and
accounts for the warmth felt by wearers of woollen clothes in winter
conditions. When the air is saturated with water vapour, wool absorbs some
40% of its dry weight in moisture, producing 960 kilojoules of heat energy
for every kilogram of dry wool. This warmth is not noticeable inside
the building but it acts to prevent condensation in construction cavities
by maintaining the temperature above the dew-point in damp conditions.
Energy Efficient - The cleaning, air-laying and thermal bonding
processing during the manufacture of Thermafleece consumes minimal energy.
Thermafleece uses only 14% of the embodied energy that is used to
manufacture glass fibre insulation, therefore paying back its
manufacturing energy cost seven times faster than glass fibre.
Thermafleece is harmless and can be installed without gloves or protective
clothing. It is not irritating to the skin, eyes or respiratory tract and
causes no discomfort to site workers during installation. Any fibres which
happen to reach the living space will present no hazard to health. The
necessary insect proofing and fire resistance rating is achieved by the
inclusion of naturally derived additives.
Extremely Durable - The fibre adapts to the shape of rafters,
joists and studs to provide a permanently tight fit. Properly installed,
Thermafleece will retain its low density and thermal performance - with a
life expectancy similar to that of the construction in which it is
installed.
Recyclable - At the end of its useful life Thermafleece can be
recycled for other environmentally friendly applications as it contains no
permethrin, pyrethroids, pesticides or formaldehydes. Thermafleece
should not be left exposed to sunlight or allowed to remain wet for
extended periods; store the insulant under cover and clear of the ground.
It is lightweight and easy to handle and install. The material can be
easily cut to shape and size with a sharp knife. Thermafleece is
completely safe to use causing no irritation to the skin, eyes or
respiratory tract. When installing the product in confined areas a dust
mask is recommended to prevent inhalation of existing dust particles. To
retain the benefits of water vapour absorption and release, Thermafleece
should be used in conjunction with a vapour permeable breather membrane.
Second Nature’s technical department can advise on specific
application techniques.
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