Actis sytem or mineral glass insulation?

[JCL]

Actis or fiberglass insulation? We have 225 studs in external walls and ceilings. Including the vaulted ceilings. I cant see much difference in the prices. Actis seem to be able to smash the u values to pieces so we would be over insulated. However will have to counter batten everything. Or mineral wool and we wouldn't have to counter batten… but still able to achieve the u values?

[Mr Punter]

There are mixed views on multi foil insulation.  Given the choice, I would go with fibreglass.  Some of the multi foils are highly flammable.

[JCL]

@Mr Punter Thank you. Do you think over doing u values is needed? Ours is meant to be 0.18 for walls 0.15 ceilings 

[nod]

I’ve used multi foil in all slopes and vaulted ceiling’s 

I used 70 rigid insulation between each rafter Then multi foil tacked and taped Then 4-1 batons Followed with 70 mil insulated plasterboard 

[JohnMo]

You can get various grades of mineral wool or fibreglass, something like Knauf Frametherm 32. 

 

I used multifoil in a summer house supported with loads of other insulation material. Not sure it would find a place in my house.

[SteveG40]

We recently used Actis Hybris for renovating a loft conversion. Prior research seemed to suggest it was a far easier and quicker, less nasty dust etc and a lot of professional loft conversion companies preferred it due to the compressibility to successfully seal it between rafters minimising performance gap etc.

 

However, Summertime has showed a massive flaw!  We put this in between the rafters, up close (but leaving a gap) to the underside of the roofing slates.  The slates being dark in colour absorb tons of heat in the summer sun. This heat is emitted into the back of the Hybris product. This is the 'honeycomb' design product that concertinas out to create lists of little air pockets with foil layers in between. The heat melts the glue that hold this product together and it all falls apart. It has all delaminated and flapping around loose which I would assume throws much of its insulation properties out of the window!

[SteamyTea]

18 minutes ago, SteveG40 said:

The heat melts the glue that hold this product together and it all falls apart

Was a problem with honeycomb aluminium and composite plastic structures.

Was fine for making the 'tub' of a racecar, but heat shielding was needed in the engine bay.

Some of those impressive supercar fires on in YouTube are caused by heat induced delamination.

 

Use with caution.

There is a reason SpaceX use stainless steel for rocket bodies.

Edited yesterday at 11:35 by SteamyTea

[SteveG40]

1 minute ago, SteamyTea said:

Was a problem with honeycomb aluminium and composite plastic structures.

Was fine for making the 'tub' of a racecar, but heat shielding was needed in the engine bay.

Some of those impressive supercar fires on in YouTube are caused by heat induced delamination.

 

Use with caution.

The glue seems pretty poor. Similar to the kiddies melted glue gun type stuff. Very surprised they decided to use glue that softens at such low temperatures. Especially as it's largely used in loft conversions, which get toasty in summertime

[SteamyTea]

22 minutes ago, SteveG40 said:

The glue seems pretty poor

Do you hear that tapping sound, it is the hammering of the coffin nails.

 

 

[ADLIan]

Report this sort of product failure to the manufacturer. They may already be aware of the issue. Some form of compensation needed? (But not replacement Actis Hybris!!)

[Mr Punter]

1 hour ago, SteveG40 said:

We recently used Actis Hybris for renovating a loft conversion. Prior research seemed to suggest it was a far easier and quicker, less nasty dust etc and a lot of professional loft conversion companies preferred it due to the compressibility to successfully seal it between rafters minimising performance gap etc.

 

Did you use it in accordance with any of their published solutions?  It looks like they want you to use at least 2 of their products.  Mostly they show new construction with some of the product fitted from outside.  The refurb solution PF276 is probably the nearest to what you have and I can't see how the extra inboard layer of product would keep the Hybris any cooler.  Let them know that you are disappointed and see what they come up with.

[ADLIan]

Actis require a 200mm airspace to any surface expected to be at 80 deg C or more. This probably conflicts with all of their roofing details!

[saveasteading]

 @SteveG40 Interesting and thanks for reporting.

Who specified it? Do you still have any leaflets from back the

I'm cautious about any of their products. Very skilfully written blurbs  with few real life test results.

I went to a tech presentation at the local bco,  of this honeycomb stuff and was immediately surprised and impressed with the concept.

Interestingly though they wouldn't take questions and comments about the other products. 

In my opinion they did not target the industry with the multifoil stuff, only homeowners.  The same later became the case with honeycomb. And it's expensive.

I have never seen them at construction exhibitions but have at self builder ones.

20mm gap seems still to be specified.

 

Complain to them by email.  Upset not angry, and asking for a solution. Tell them you want their comments before taking advice from the industry.

 

BTW .  IMHO multifoils or bubblewrap may have their place to line sheds or attics. The honeycomb idea is good but it shouldn't fall apart.

 

If anyone has positive comments I'd love to hear.

[SteveG40]

4 hours ago, Mr Punter said:

 

Did you use it in accordance with any of their published solutions?  It looks like they want you to use at least 2 of their products.  Mostly they show new construction with some of the product fitted from outside.  The refurb solution PF276 is probably the nearest to what you have and I can't see how the extra inboard layer of product would keep the Hybris any cooler.  Let them know that you are disappointed and see what they come up with.

 

We installed it as per their technical departments recommendations.  I contacted them to get a U-value calculation and condensation risk analysis that I could present to the BCO to show that the construction would meet the Building regs requirements.  I did have some lengthy phone calls with them searching through various solutions in their database. Most/all of them suggest leaving a 50mm gap between the roof felt and the rear face of the Hybrid. They even demand sealing this gap completely to prevent an airflow (which goes against all general guidance with cold roof installations!) Sealing this void one would assume would only contribute to an increase in temperature in void further accelerating the melting of the glue.