FAQ

Here is a page dedicated to questions frequently asked by our customers.

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Do I need to use membranes when installing PIR below a concrete slab or screed?

First of all, ensure that the PIR insulation boards are laid above the damp proof membrane (DPM). The foil facings of our PIR insulation boards may be damaged by wet screed or wet concrete, allowing gas to escape that may weaken the floor topping so we would always recommend a membrane be used for protection over the PIR insulation boards once they have been laid & prior to the screed or concrete topping being poured.


Do I need to wear PPE when installing your insulation products?

Our safety data sheets provide information on the precautions that should be taken when installing our PIR insulation products.


Does your insulation attract rodents or other vermin?

Our insulation offers zero nutritional value to vermin, although if rodents can access the insulation they may use it as a nest.


How should PIR products be stored?

Our PIR insulation boards should be stored in their original packaging, protected from the weather and clear of the ground. Any damaged boards (e.g. crushed corners) or wet boards should not be used.

For any further queries please contact our Technical Support Centre


Once installed, how long will your insulation last in my building?

Once installed, if left unmolested and undisturbed we can say that the insulation will perform for the expected lifespan of the building into which it is installed, which is generally taken to be 60 years.


What is a Euroclass ‘reaction to fire’ rating?

A Euroclass ‘reaction to fire’ rating is a measure of a product’s behaviour when exposed to a direct ignition source. The behaviour is classified as A1 through to F, with A1 attaining the highest level of performance and F the lowest level of performance.


What is PAS 2030 accreditation?

PAS 2030 is a specification covering the installation of energy efficiency measures in existing buildings. PAS 2030 includes requirements for installation, process management and service provision. It also includes criteria relating to installation methods, equipment, tools, product or system selection and material suitability.

The commissioning of installed measures and the training, skills and competence of the people undertaking such installation is also covered in PAS 2030. Contractors who carried out work through the Green Homes Grant had to be TrustMark registered, which required certification to PAS 2030.

The framework was developed in response to the Each Home Counts (Bonfield) review, which found the quality and performance of many energy efficiency and renewable energy retrofit projects was insufficient. In particular, it addressed the concern that many such projects were often carried out without adequate consideration for what was best for the property and its occupants.

Since its original publication, PAS 2030 has been redeveloped, and we are currently in a transition phase between PAS 2030:2017 and PAS 2030:2019. Because of this, contractors with an existing certification can register with TrustMark using either version of PAS 2030. However, switching your certification to PAS 2030:2019 sooner is recommended. 


What is the best way to cut PIR insulation?

Specialist insulation saws and knives are widely available, these should be used to trim or cut our insulation products when required.


What is the TrustMark Data Warehouse?

The TrustMark Data Warehouse is a repository of information about work that has been undertaken to improve the energy efficiency of domestic homes in the UK. It acts as the industry-facing side of the Property Hub, which is the consumer-facing platform that provides homeowners insight about their property and what kinds of improvements or changes have been made over the years - such as the installation of loft insulation.

Contractors must lodge details of works carried out through the Green Homes Grant in the Data Warehouse. Lodging work in the Data Warehouse is also required as part of PAS 2035 and, therefore, any work carried out by a TrustMark-approved contractor will be added to the system.

 


What is TrustMark?

TrustMark is a quality scheme endorsed by the UK government. It covers work that a homeowner chooses to have carried out on their home, and was implemented to help consumers ensure that they are working with contractors who will deliver to its three cornerstones of quality:

  • Technical competence
  • Good customer service
  • Good trading practices

Contractors who are approved by TrustMark will have been accredited to specific standards and, in the case of energy efficiency installations, this includes certification to PAS 2030. Depending on the type of work a contractor carries out, other qualifications, such as MCS certification, may also be required to be TrustMark approved.

TrustMark is intended to give consumers confidence about having work done on their homes. Contractors operating through the scheme may be able to offer their customers certain benefits, such as financing options offered through a network of scheme partners. TrustMark also offers a range of solutions should problems arise.

 


Where can I find the Declaration of Performance (DoP) for your insulation products?

Visit our webpage dedicated to our Declarations of Performance to download the appropriate DoP for your product, or alternatively look for a link on the relevant Product Page.

We’d like to make finding the answers to your questions as simple as possible, and want to help you use our website with ease.

Take a look at our collection of questions. If your query cannot be answered on this page, please contact the Technical Support Centre on 01473 820850

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