Insulation

CI/Sfb
(21.9) Rn7 M2
Eighth Issue November 2008

K15 Rainscreen Board

INSULATION FOR USE BEHIND RAINSCREEN
CLADDING SYSTEMS

● Premium performance rigid

phenolic insulation –
thermal conductivity as low
as 0.021 W/m.K
● Class 0 / Low Risk fire rating
● Negligible smoke obscuration
● Suitable for use in rainscreen
cladding systems
● Clear cavity is maintained –
resists moisture penetration
● Unaffected by air movement
● Resistant to the passage of
water vapour
● Easy to handle and install
● Ideal for new build and
refurbishment
● Non–deleterious material
● CFC/HCFC–free with zero Ozone
Depletion Potential (ODP)

IU M
EM
PR

NCE

RF
ORM
PE

Low Energy -
Low Carbon Buildings
 K15 Rainscreen Board

Typical Design Details Specification Clause

Non-combustible Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board should be
substrate – structural
masonry wall
described in specifications as:–

The wall insulation shall be Kingspan Kooltherm® K15

Rainscreen Board ____mm thick comprising a CFC/HCFC–free
rigid thermoset phenolic insulation core with composite foil
Kingspan Kooltherm®
K15 Rainscreen Board facings on both sides manufactured to the highest standards
under quality control systems approved to BS EN ISO 9001:
Proprietary
fixing bracket 2000 by Kingspan Insulation Limited and shall be applied in
accordance with the instructions issued by them.

Details also available in NBS Plus.

Cladding panel NBS users should refer to clause(s):
H92 776 (Standard and Intermediate)

Figure 1 Insulated Rainscreen Cladding Systems (non–proprietary

external finish)

Non-combustible
substrate – structural
masonry wall

Kingspan Kooltherm®
K15 Rainscreen Board

Proprietary fixing
bracket

Terracotta clay
tile panels

Figure 2 Insulated Rainscreen Cladding Systems (terracotta clay tile

external finish)

Kingspan Kooltherm®
K15 Rainscreen Board

Proprietary fixing
bracket

Non-combustible
substrate – calcium
silicate board

Terracotta clay
tile panels

Figure 3 Insulated Rainscreen Cladding Systems on Steel Frame

2
Design Considerations
Sustainability However, manufacturers should not rest on their laurels; it is a
In the past, erroneously, the relative environmental matter of social responsibility to be open and honest about the
sustainability of insulation materials has been compared on environmental impact of the manufacture of a product, and a
the basis of embodied energy and ozone depletion potential. full Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) based on a much wider basket of
It is now recognised that a much wider basket of embodied environmental impacts, rather than embodied energy alone, is
environmental impacts (including those caused by their recognised as the preferred tool to achieve this. Kingspan
embodied energy), rather than embodied energy alone, is the Insulation was the first insulation manufacturer to openly
only credible tool of comparison. Time has also annulled ozone complete and publish independently certified Ecoprofiles
depletion potential as an issue as all insulation materials are (a type of LCA) on its product ranges. The Ecoprofile for the
now banned from using CFC and HCFC blowing agents by Kingspan Therma™ range of rigid urethane insulation products
law. For buildings designed to today’s Building Regulations was performed by Building Research Establishment (BRE).
energy use standards it is now also known that the embodied The product range comfortably achieves a BRE
environmental impacts of all of the materials and labour used Green Guide A rating. Kingspan Insulation is
to create a building are insignificant in comparison with the currently completing a BRE Ecoprofile of its
lifetime operational environmental impacts of that building, and Kingspan Kooltherm® K–range of rigid phenolic
so are of very limited importance. Since it is operational energy insulation products.
use that creates the vast majority of operational environmental
But there is far more to sustainability than whether or not a
impact, saving energy by specifying the lowest U–values
product, process or company affects the environment in a
possible is the most environmentally sustainable action to take.
positive or a negative way. A company can, and should,
However, one of the most neglected facts about demonstrate its financial viability and social responsibility, as
environmentally sustainable buildings is that the longevity of well as ensure that its materials and methods do not add
their standards of operational energy use, and therefore the unduly to the burden placed on the planet. Kingspan Insulation
longevity of their operational environmental impacts, is critical. has now put the manufacture of its products at its Pembridge
The performance of some insulants, such as mineral fibre, can facility in Herefordshire through a rigorous independent
deteriorate rapidly if exposed to water penetration, air appraisal of its economic, social, environmental and natural
movement or compression. This may increase operational resource impacts using Arup’s SPeAR® tool.
energy use and hence compromise the environmental
The results show a well balanced performance in terms of
sustainability of the finished building to an alarming degree.
sustainability, and that Kingspan Insulation is already meeting
Other insulation materials, such as rigid phenolic or rigid
legislation or best practice in most areas, even moving beyond
urethane, are not vulnerable to any of these problems.
best practice in some. Kingspan Insulation is the first and only
In summary, designers should: construction material manufacturer to have taken this bold
move and openly publish the results.
(a) specify the lowest possible U–value regardless of insulation
type;

(b) design out the risk of their chosen insulant not performing
as specified; and

(c) if the latter is not possible, choose an insulant that is at low

risk of failure e.g. a cellular plastic insulation material.

3
 K15 Rainscreen Board

Sitework
Typical Applications Installation
Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board is installed Because rainscreen cladding systems are proprietary and
between proprietary fixing brackets. The insulation boards are utilise different mechanisms for attaching cladding panels to
easily cut to individual bracket spacings. Once installed, the wall structure, sitework guidance should be sought from
Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board can exceed system manufacturers.
Building Regulations / Standards requirements for these
However, in the absence of any other guidance Kingspan
applications.
Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board can be fully restrained
Cold Bridging against the structural wall in a brick bond pattern with suitable
The use of a neoprene / plastic gasket between the insulation fasteners. A minimum number of nine fasteners
'helping hand' bracket and the structure will help to mitigate should be placed within the individual board area and be
the effects of cold bridging. Please contact the Kingspan sited > 50 mm but < 150 mm from the edges and corners
Insulation Technical Service Department (see rear cover) for of the board. Refer to:
further information.
EJOT UK Ltd +44 (0) 1977 687 040
Water Vapour Control Hilti Ltd +44 (0) 800 083 0858
Surface Condensation
Cutting
Surface condensation can be controlled by the selection of
Cutting should be carried out either by using a fine toothed
the correct thickness of insulation, the heating and ventilation
saw, or by scoring with a sharp knife, snapping the board over
system being designed with condensation in mind, and
a straight edge and then cutting the facing on the other side.
subsequently the combination of heating and ventilation being
Ensure accurate trimming to achieve close butting joints and
used correctly.
continuity of insulation.
Interstitial Condensation
Weatherproofing
The Kingspan Insulation Technical Service Department (see
Manufacturers' approved rainscreen cladding tape should be
rear cover) can provide a condensation risk analysis of your
applied to the external joints of insulation board to provide a
proposed design. Alternatively, the designer can undertake an
weathertight finish.
independent assessment by following the procedures set out
in BS 5250: 2002 (Code of practice for the control of Refer to individual manufacturer’s fixing instructions:
condensation in buildings).
Venture Tape Europe +44 (0) 1327 876 555
The vapour resistance of the internal wall lining can be
increased by the use of a vapour check plasterboard or by the
application of two coats of Gyproc Drywall Sealer, if required.

Fire Stops
Current Building Regulations / Standards should be considered
with regard to the requirements for and provision of fire stops.

Lightning Protection
Building designers should give consideration to the requirements
of BS EN 62305: 2006 (Protection against lightning).

Typical U–values
Because rainscreen systems are proprietary and utilise different
mechanisms for attaching cladding panels to the wall structure,
it is advisable to contact the Kingspan Insulation Technical
Service Department (see rear cover) for specific U–value
calculations. All calculations are performed in accordance with
BR 443 (Conventions for U–value calculations, 2006 Edition).

4
 Product Description
Availability The Facings
Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board is available Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board is faced on both
through specialist insulation distributors and selected builders' sides with a low emissivity composite foil facing which is highly
merchants throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. resistant to the transmission of water vapour.

Packaging The Core

The boards are supplied in labelled packs, shrinkwrapped The core of Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board is a
in polythene. premium performance CFC/HCFC–free rigid thermoset
phenolic insulant of typical density 35 kg/m2.
Storage
The packaging of Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen CFC/HCFC–free
Board should not be considered adequate for long term Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board is
outdoor protection. Ideally, boards should be stored inside a manufactured without the use of CFCs/HCFCs and
building. If, however, outdoor storage cannot be avoided then has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
the boards should be stacked clear of the ground and covered
with a polythene sheet or weatherproof tarpaulin. Boards that Product Data
have been allowed to get wet should not be used. Standards and Approvals
Health and Safety Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board is manufactured
Kingspan Insulation products are chemically inert and safe to to the highest standards under a quality control system
use. A leaflet on this topic which satisfies the requirements set approved to BS EN ISO 9001: 2000 (Quality management
out in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health systems. Requirements).
Regulations 1988 (COSHH) is available from the Kingspan
Insulation Marketing Department (see rear cover).
Please note that the reflective surface on this product is designed to enhance its thermal
performance. As such, it will reflect light as well as heat, including ultraviolet light. Therefore, if
this board is being installed during very bright or sunny weather, it is advisable to wear UV
protective sunglasses or goggles, and if the skin is exposed for a significant period of time, to 007
protect the bare skin with a UV block sun cream.
Manufactured to BS EN ISO 9001: 2000
The reflective facing used on this product can be slippery underfoot when wet. Therefore, it is Certificate No. 388
recommended that any excess material should be contained to avoid a slip hazard.
Warning – do not stand on or otherwise support your weight on this board unless it is fully
supported by a load bearing surface. Standard Dimensions
Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board is available in the
following standard size:

Nominal Dimension Availability

Length (m) 2.4
Width (m) 1.2
Insulant Thickness (mm) Refer to local distributor or
Kingspan Insulation price list for
current stock and non–stock sizes.

Compressive Strength
Typically exceeds 100 kPa at 10% compression when tested
to BS EN 826: 1996 (Thermal insulating products for building
applications. Determination of compression behaviour).

Water Vapour Resistance

Modified to include board facings, the boards achieve a
resistance far greater than 100 MN.s/g, when tested in
accordance with BS 4370–2: 1993 (Methods of test for rigid
cellular materials. Methods 7 to 9).

5
 K15 Rainscreen Board

Thermal Properties
The λ–values and R–values quoted are in accordance
Durability
If correctly applied, Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen
with the principles in the Harmonised European
Board has an indefinite life. Its durability depends on the
Standard BS EN 13166: 2008 (Thermal insulation
supporting structure and the conditions of its use.
products for buildings – Factory made products of
NB For glazed curtain walling systems advice should be sought from the Kingspan Insulation
Technical Service Department (see rear cover) to determine the product's suitability.
phenolic foam (PF) – Specification) using so called
90 / 90 principles. Comparison with alternative products
Resistance to Solvents, Fungi & Rodents may not be appropriate unless the same procedures
The insulation core is resistant to short–term contact with have been followed.
petrol and with most dilute acids, alkalis and mineral oils.
However, it is recommended that any spills be cleaned off fully Thermal Conductivity
before the boards are installed. Ensure that safe methods of The boards achieve a thermal conductivity (λ–value) of
cleaning are used, as recommended by the suppliers of the 0.024 W/m.K (insulant thickness 15–24 mm), 0.023 W/m.K
spilt liquid. The insulation core is not resistant to some (insulant thickness 25–44 mm) and 0.021 W/m.K (insulant
solvent–based adhesive systems, particularly those containing thickness ≥ 45 mm).
methyl ethyl ketone. Adhesives containing such solvents
Thermal Resistance
should not be used in association with this product.
Thermal resistance (R–value) varies with thickness and is
Damaged boards or boards that have been in contact with
calculated by dividing the thickness of the board (expressed in
harsh solvents or acids should not be used.
metres) by its thermal conductivity.
Fire Performance
Insulant Thickness Thermal Resistance
Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board will achieve the (mm) (m2.K/W)
results given below, which enable it to be classified by the 25 1.05
Building Regulations as being Class 0 and as Low Risk by the 30 1.30
Technical Standards in Scotland. 40 1.70
50 2.35
Test Result 60 2.85
70 3.30
BS 476–6: 1989 Fire propagation index of
75 3.55
(Fire tests on building performance (I) not exceeding
80 3.80
materials and structures. 12 and sub index (i1) not
90 4.25
Method of test for fire exceeding 6 (for rigid phenolic
100 4.75
propagation for products) insulation core)
120 5.70
BS 476–7: 1997 Class 1 rating
130 6.15
(Fire tests on building materials
140 6.65
and structures. Method of test
Refer to local distributor or Kingspan Insulation price list for current stock and
to determine the classification non–stock sizes.
of the surface spread of flame
of products)
BS 5111–1: 1974 < 5%
(Smoke Obscuration)
BS 8414: 2002 (Fire performance Successfully tested – Kingspan
of external cladding systems. Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen
Test methods for non–load bearing Board does not contribute to
external cladding systems applied fire propagation / spread within
to the face of a building) a cladding system

Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board meets the

criteria within BR 135 (Fire performance of external thermal
insulation for walls of multi–storey buildings), and is therefore
acceptable for use above 18 metres in accordance with the
Building Regulations / Standards.

Further details of the fire performance of Kingspan Insulation

products may be obtained from the Kingspan Insulation
Technical Service Department (see rear cover).

6
Kingspan Insulation The Kingspan Insulation Product Range
Kingspan Insulation offers an extensive range of premium The Kingspan Kooltherm® K–range
and high performance insulation products, breathable ● With a thermal conductivity of 0.021–0.024 W/m.K
membranes and pre–insulated systems for the construction CFC/HCFC–free rigid phenolic insulation is the most
industry. Following an extensive investment programme, thermally efficient insulation product commonly available.
Kingspan Insulation is continuing to lead the insulation ● Utilises the thinnest possible insulation board to achieve
industry by manufacturing its insulation products with zero required U–values.
●
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and quoting thermal
Fire performance can be equivalent to mineral fibre.
performance data in accordance with the new harmonised
● Achieves a Class 0 fire rating to the Building Regulations
European Standards.
and Low Risk rating for the Technical Standards in Scotland.
●
Kingspan Insulation Limited specialises in the solution of
Achieves the best possible rating of < 5% smoke
insulation problems. The Kingspan Insulation range of insulation
obscuration when tested to BS 5111: Part 1: 1974.
products meet the exacting requirements of the construction
● CFC/HCFC–free with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
industry and are produced to the highest standards, including
BS EN ISO 9001: 2000 / I.S. EN ISO 9001: 2000. Each The Kingspan Therma™ Range
product has been designed to fulfil a specific need and has ● With a thermal conductivity of 0.023–0.028 W/m.K
been manufactured to precise standards and tolerances. CFC/HCFC–free rigid urethane insulation is one of the most
thermally efficient insulation products commonly available.
Insulation for:
●
● Pitched Roofs Easily achieves required U–values with minimum board
thickness.
● Flat Roofs
● Achieves the required fire performance for the intended
● Cavity Walls
application.
●
●
Timber and Steel Framing
CFC/HCFC–free with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
● Externally Insulated Cladding Systems
The Kingspan Styrozone® & Purlcrete® Ranges
●
● Rigid extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) has the highest
Floors
● Soffits compressive strength of any commonly available insulant.
● Cavity Closers ● Ideal for specialist applications such as inverted roofing and
Solutions: heavy–duty flooring.
● Insulated Dry–Lining ● Easily achieves required U–values with minimum board
● Tapered Roofing Systems thickness.
● Kingspan KoolDuct ® Pre–Insulated Ducting ● Achieves the required fire performance for the intended
● Kingspan nilvent Breathable Membranes
® application.
● CFC/HCFC–free with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).

All Products
● Their closed cell structure resists both moisture and water
vapour ingress – problems which can be associated with
open cell materials such as mineral fibre and which can
result in reduced thermal performance.
● Unaffected by air movement – problems that can be
experienced with mineral fibre and which can reduce
thermal performance.
● Safe and easy to install – non–fibrous.
● Provide reliable long term thermal performance over the
lifetime of the building.

7
Contact Details

Customer Service Technical Advice / Design

For quotations, order placement and details of despatches please Kingspan Insulation supports all of its products with a
contact the Kingspan Insulation Customer Service Department on comprehensive Technical Advisory Service for specifiers, stockists
the numbers below: and contractors.
UK – Tel: +44 (0) 870 850 8555 This includes a computer–aided service designed to give fast,
– Fax: +44 (0) 870 850 8666 accurate technical advice. Simply phone the Kingspan Insulation
– email: [email protected] Technical Service Department with your project specification.
Ireland – Tel: +353 (0) 42 97 54200 Calculations can be carried out to provide U–values, condensation
– Fax: +353 (0) 42 97 54299 / dew point risk, required insulation thicknesses etc… Thereafter
– email: [email protected] any number of permutations can be provided to help you achieve
your desired targets.
Literature & Samples The Kingspan Insulation Technical Service Department can also
Kingspan Insulation produces a comprehensive range of technical give general application advice and advice on design detailing and
literature for specifiers, contractors, stockists and end users. fixing etc... Site surveys are also undertaken as appropriate.
The literature contains clear ‘user friendly’ advice on typical
Please contact the Kingspan Insulation Technical Service
design; design considerations; thermal properties; sitework
Department on the numbers below:
and product data.
UK – Tel: +44 (0) 870 850 8333
Available as a complete Design Manual or as individual product
– Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 278
brochures, Kingspan Insulation technical literature is an essential
– email: [email protected]
specification tool. For copies please contact the Kingspan
Insulation Marketing Department on the numbers below: Ireland – Tel: +353 (0) 42 97 54297
– Fax: +353 (0) 42 97 54296
UK – Tel: +44 (0) 870 733 8333
– email: [email protected]
– Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 299
– email: [email protected]
General Enquiries
Ireland – Tel: +353 (0) 42 97 54298
For all other enquiries contact Kingspan Insulation on the
– Fax: +353 (0) 42 97 54299
numbers below:
– email: [email protected]
UK – Tel: +44 (0) 870 850 8555
Tapered Roofing – Fax: +44 (0) 870 850 8666
For technical guidance, quotations, order placement and – email: [email protected]
details of despatches please contact the Kingspan Insulation Ireland – Tel: +353 (0) 42 97 54200
Tapered Roofing Department on the numbers below: – Fax: +353 (0) 42 97 54299
– email: [email protected]
UK – Tel: +44 (0) 870 761 7770
– Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 289 Kingspan Insulation Ltd. reserves the right to amend product specifications without prior notice.
– email: [email protected] Product thicknesses shown in this document should not be taken as being available ex–stock
and reference should be made to the current Kingspan Insulation price–list or advice sought
Ireland – Tel: +353 (0) 42 97 54297 from Kingspan Insulation’s Customer Service Department (see above left). The information,
technical details and fixing instructions etc. included in this literature are given in good faith and
– Fax: +353 (0) 42 97 54296 apply to uses described. Recommendations for use should be verified as to the suitability and
– email: [email protected] compliance with actual requirements, specifications and any applicable laws and regulations.
For other applications or conditions of use, Kingspan Insulation offers a Technical Advisory
Service (see above) the advice of which should be sought for uses of Kingspan Insulation
products that are not specifically described herein. Please check that your copy of the literature
is current by contacting the Kingspan Insulation Marketing Department (see left).

Kingspan Insulation Ltd

Pembridge, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9LA, UK

www.insulation.kingspan.com

Kingspan Insulation Ltd. Registered in England & Wales, No. 01882722. Registered Office: Pembridge, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9LA UK.
® Kingspan, KoolDuct, Kooltherm, nilvent, Purlcrete, the zo Device and the Lion Device are Registered Trademarks of the Kingspan Group plc
™ Therma is a Trademark of the Kingspan Group plc
® SPeAR is a Registered Trademark of Arup