Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

Isover to launch a new packaging design to improve recyclability

Isover, a UK manufacturer of mineral wool insulation products, is launching new packaging to improve recyclability and reduce their environmental impact. Isover has reduced the ink coverage on its packaging to only 15%, with a change to white base foil. Additionally, the company will continue using 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR)

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New managing director announced at Permarock signalling group growth

New managing director announced at Permarock signalling group growth

LEADING external wall insulation and render system manufacturer and supplier Permarock has undertaken a board restructure to cultivate strategic growth – appointing a new managing director to drive it. The change, which coincides with Permarock’s 40 years of trading milestone, will see operations director Nigel Watson step into the managing director

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Keystone Lintels’ customer focus key to successful 2024

Keystone Lintels’ customer focus key to successful 2024

Keystone Lintels reflects on a standout year in 2024, which was marked by a string of prestigious industry awards. These achievements are testament to its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service, solidifying its reputation as a leading manufacturer of steel lintels. The year concluded on a high note

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Performance certification and new colourway option for Marley’s Weatherboard Range

Performance certification and new Colourway option for Marley’s Weatherboard Range

Marley’s popular Weatherboard range has been certified by the leading applied safety science authority, UL Solutions. Following robust independent testing, the fibre cement board solution for external cladding has been certified to meet all relevant standards for performance, quality and safety. The certification provides critical product credibility, meaning specifiers can

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STARK UK announces partnership to tackle exploitation in construction

STARK UK announces partnership to tackle exploitation in construction

STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK), one of the UK’s largest retailers and distributors of building and construction materials, has become a sponsor of Stronger Together, an organisation which campaigns to reduce modern slavery in supply chains. By sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, STARK UK is demonstrating

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Selkent opens million-pound warehouse for enhanced customer service

Selkent opens million-pound warehouse for enhanced customer service

With a large million-pound investment Selkent, a leading UK supplier of construction fixings and tools, increases its customer fulfilment capacity with the opening of a brand-new warehouse in Sittingbourne, UK. Officially opened by local MP Kevin McKenna, the facility currently has 34 employees with an additional eight roles being recruited for

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Offsite specialist joins Alsecco to enhance design support

Offsite specialist joins Alsecco to enhance design support

Façade specialist Alsecco has appointed a new technical design and support specialist to further enhance its support for both offsite and traditional construction projects. Nick Barrett brings extensive experience of offsite construction to the role having previously worked at TopHat Modular. With a background in construction design and offsite manufacturing,

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

Isover to launch a new packaging design to improve recyclability

Isover, a UK manufacturer of mineral wool insulation products, is launching new packaging to improve recyclability and reduce their environmental impact. Isover has reduced the ink coverage on its packaging to only 15%, with a change to white base foil. Additionally, the company will continue using 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and aims to increase this in the future. The updated branding of the packaging has a cleaner look and includes a new suite of pictograms providing clear signposting for Isover product ranges, features and applications. Michelle Placide, Head of Insulation Category at Isover, said: “This packaging change to improve recyclability demonstrates Isover’s commitment to our purpose of making the world a better home while also improving our customers’ experience with the design changes to easily identify the Isover products for their projects”. Isover will begin the roll-out of the new packaging for all insulation products manufactured at its plant in Runcorn, Cheshire. The plant manufactures insulation products from up to 82% recycled glass, and all electric equipment in the plant is powered by 100% renewable electricity. The phased launch plan is expected to continue across the first half of 2025. The launch of this packaging is another key sustainability initiative from Isover, which is committed to supporting the circular economy and reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050. In 2024, Isover partnered with The Pallet LOOP, a circular economy pallet supplier. Increasingly, Isover products such as Spacesaver and Acoustic Partition Roll are shipped on easily identifiable, green-coloured LOOP pallets, to significantly reduce avoidable pallet waste. To find out more about Isover’s insulation products and their commitment towards Net Zero Carbon by 2050, visit www.isover.co.uk/sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New managing director announced at Permarock signalling group growth

New managing director announced at Permarock signalling group growth

LEADING external wall insulation and render system manufacturer and supplier Permarock has undertaken a board restructure to cultivate strategic growth – appointing a new managing director to drive it. The change, which coincides with Permarock’s 40 years of trading milestone, will see operations director Nigel Watson step into the managing director role after almost 30 years with the business. Joining in 1996, Nigel has held several key positions within the company, broadening his knowledge of the industry and increasing commercial insight – both of which will be instrumental in realising Permarock’s strategic growth and ambitions moving forward. As part of the new senior structure, Richard Tocher will become sales and technical director, further supporting the external wall insulation provider’s ambitions over the coming four years. These are outlined as continuing to set the standard for excellence, delivering long-term value to its clients and the wider industry while at the same time striving for continuous improvement for its products, services, and its dedicated team of colleagues with upskilling opportunities. Sean Waldrum, who has served as managing director for the past 16 years, will remain a part of Permarock’s senior management team. His more than 36 years of experience at Permarock will play a critical role in working with Nigel, and the board of directors, to continue to steer the forward trajectory of the business. Permarock is part of Sustainable Investments Ltd, which is led by Derek Horrocks. He said: “For more than four decades, Permarock has carved out its place within the external wall insulation and render systems sector through providing the highest levels of quality products and service. “Our strength has come from our long-term reliability in leading the field in technical and design expertise, and the consistent provision of a high-quality offering has led to our continued success. More importantly it has contributed significantly to the core mission of our wider group of businesses – to create healthier buildings and environments for all. “Nigel and Richard, alongside logistics director Kieran Loftus, will be key in realising further growth through their new roles. They have both been with the business for a significant amount of time and understand its values, industry, and our vision inside and out. For several years now, Nigel especially has been working closely with Sean so that when he stepped into the managing director role it would be a smooth transition. With the continuity of Sean’s involvement in the business, the senior team behind him, and the wider business group, I’m looking forward to seeing our strategy for the coming years put into action.” On his new position and responsibilities, Nigel said: “Most of my career has been spent with Permarock and it’s been brilliant to have had the experience of seeing it grow and develop with its people over the past couple of decades. As we move into the future, our ambitions are to grow further still while remaining committed to providing sustainable, controlled and targeted growth in the key market sectors in which we operate, whilst staying true to our values—innovation, expertise, and customer focus.” Richard Tocher said: “This is the start of a really exciting chapter for Permarock as a company, with intentions to continue delivering the technical expertise and quality service we’re well known for. We won’t be resting on our laurels though; the management team will be working closely with the wider team to develop our new aims and ideas for the betterment of the business and industry.” Equally suited for new build and refurbished properties within many commercial and residential markets including housing (social and private), education, healthcare, and commercial, Permarock’s products bring performance and experience together with quality and innovation. Additionally, as part of Sustainable Investments, Permarock along with its sister company’s Sustainable Building Services, Sustainable Energy Services, and Sustainable Smart Technologies, also provides a complete and comprehensive solution to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and help tackle the energy, health, housing, climate and cost-of-living crises. To find out more about Permarock, visit: www.permarock.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Keystone Lintels’ customer focus key to successful 2024

Keystone Lintels’ customer focus key to successful 2024

Keystone Lintels reflects on a standout year in 2024, which was marked by a string of prestigious industry awards. These achievements are testament to its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service, solidifying its reputation as a leading manufacturer of steel lintels. The year concluded on a high note in November, with Keystone Lintels being presented with the Supplier of the Year Award at the Builders’ Merchant News (BMN) Awards 2024.  The accolade came just a few weeks after the company won in two categories at the National Buying Group (NBG) Awards, taking home both the Supplier of the Year (£1m-£5m) and General Build Supplier of the Year awards. These significant wins followed Keystone’s success at the Builders’ Merchant Journal (BMJ) Awards in September, where it received the Heavyside Supplier of the Year award. Workplace safety also took centre stage in 2024 when Keystone was recognised in July with a Gold Health and Safety Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). This prestigious award recognises the company’s efforts to create a safe working environment for both its employees and customers. With nearly 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, the RoSPA program is a global benchmark for health and safety standards, influencing the lives of more than seven million employees worldwide. Going the extra mile for customers has always been key part of the Keystone’s ethos and its success in 2024 is very much testament to that.  By focusing on lead generation, providing technical support, ensuring reliable delivery, and offering an extensive product range with consistent stock availability, the company has demonstrated its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations. “We are incredibly proud of this recognition throughout 2024,” said Chris Hemmington-Green, Sales Director at Keystone Lintels. “All of these awards showcase our team’s dedication and our ability to meet the needs of an evolving marketplace.” Keystone Lintels remains focused on providing reliable, high-quality lintel solutions while maintaining strong relationships with merchants and clients. The company continues to innovate and expand its range of bespoke products to meet the evolving needs of the market. Looking to the year ahead, Keystone Lintels is committed to maintaining the high standards that earned this recognition and to its continuing partnerships with customers. The team at Keystone Lintels extends its thanks to its customers, employees, and industry peers who have helped to drive these achievements. For more information and to find out more, visit Keystone Lintels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Performance certification and new colourway option for Marley’s Weatherboard Range

Performance certification and new Colourway option for Marley’s Weatherboard Range

Marley’s popular Weatherboard range has been certified by the leading applied safety science authority, UL Solutions. Following robust independent testing, the fibre cement board solution for external cladding has been certified to meet all relevant standards for performance, quality and safety. The certification provides critical product credibility, meaning specifiers can select Marley’s Weatherboard solution with confidence, knowing its performance and safety credentials have been thoroughly examined. Assessment criteria To achieve UL certification, the performance of Marley’s façade and cladding system was tested in accordance with the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) sequence B – Standard for Systemised Building Envelopes (2005). This satisfies several key performance areas: The Weatherboard fibre cement cladding system delivers a textured woodgrain finish and is ideal for refreshing existing properties or adding significant visual appeal to new developments. With a high coverage rate, it offers a cost-effective solution, along with ease of installation and low maintenance requirements. New colour option Coinciding with its UL Solutions certification, Marley has also expanded the colourway options for its Weatherboard range. The launch of a new blue-grey colour option complements the existing choices of white, light grey, slate grey and black, to further extend specification choice. With blue-grey particularly popular in the Southwest areas of the UK, especially in coastal areas, the new colourway adds another layer of aesthetic appeal for projects in this region. Marley also offers full colour-matched trims and accessories for its Weatherboard range, to ensure all projects offer an aesthetically striking and premium finish. Kevin O’Neill, National Sales Manager, Weatherboard for Marley, comments: “Rigorously tested, our Weatherboard system is UL Certified, meaning the fibre cement solution offers high levels of performance in water resistance, wind durability and safety compliance. It’s the perfect solution for specifiers looking to integrate reliable and compliant cladding solutions into their projects. “This, combined with the addition of the new blue-grey colourway, means specifiers have increased choice and confidence when choosing Marley’s Weatherboard for their external cladding projects.” For more information, visit Marley’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions highlights the retrofit agenda for social housing

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions highlights  the retrofit agenda for social housing

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, through its brands British Gypsum and Isover, has released a new episode of its Building Better series, focusing on the critical retrofit agenda for social housing. The UK’s social housing sector faces mounting challenges as poor insulation and inadequate ventilation exacerbate issues of damp, cold and poor living conditions for occupants. In response, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions is supporting vital conversations around transforming these homes into warm, healthy spaces that are fit for the future. In its latest episode, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions collaborates with Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra – North Wales’ largest housing association – to explore innovative retrofit solutions designed to address the UK’s pressing need for sustainable healthy housing. “Our homes should be safe and secure places to live, not ones that compromise health or quality of life,” said James Maclean, Head of Training Academies at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions. “Through collaboration with Adra, we’re demonstrating how retrofitting can drive tangible, positive changes that contribute to building better communities across the UK.” The episode also touches on the Social Housing Regulation Act, which prioritises safeguarding tenant welfare, as well as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, a government-funded program that works with social housing providers to improve the energy efficiency of homes. These solutions include: enhanced insulation and effective ventilation systems to improve occupants health and well-being; the adoption of solar panels and air-source heat pumps to create low-carbon, energy-efficient homes and insulation to support energy performance and protect building materials in the long run. Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra said, “Our priority is to provide homes that meet the highest standards for our residents, where they not only feel safe but comfortable.”  “Our partnership with Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions demonstrates how innovative retrofitting can enhance residents’ quality of life while advancing our vision of sustainable, future-ready communities.” The video spotlights case studies showcasing how retrofitting has successfully transformed existing properties and by sharing these examples, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions aims to showcase the work of housing providers such as Adra, and how they are making residents health and wellbeing a central part of their refurbishment strategy. Hosted by renowned architectural designer and television personality Charlie Luxton, Building Better delivers inspirational and thought-provoking content on weekly episodes via YouTube and the Building Better Hub. To watch the full episode and discover similar content, visit www.saint-gobain.co.uk/building-better-hub, or to explore the episode in chapters, visit the Building Better YouTube channel and click subscribe to keep up to date with the latest video. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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STARK UK announces partnership to tackle exploitation in construction

STARK UK announces partnership to tackle exploitation in construction

STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK), one of the UK’s largest retailers and distributors of building and construction materials, has become a sponsor of Stronger Together, an organisation which campaigns to reduce modern slavery in supply chains. By sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, STARK UK is demonstrating its commitment towards tackling exploitation in the industry and will now work alongside other major construction businesses to drive sector-wide change, ensuring workers are recruited responsibly and have fair access to work. According to Stronger Together, the construction sector is identified as high-risk for modern slavery by various bodies, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and the Office of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement.  Due to its related activities and overlapping workforce, the broader property sector is considered equally high-risk. Stronger Together’s recently updated Construction and Property Programme helps businesses to identify the signs of modern slavery in the construction and property supply chain with sector-specific tools, training and resources. STARK UK was officially established on 1 st March 2023, with STARK Group having acquired a collection of businesses from Saint-Gobain, including Jewson, Jewson Major Building Solutions, Jewson Partnership Solutions, Frazer, Minster, JP Corry, Normans and International Timber. Nim Cassidy, General Counsel and Company Secretary at STARK UK, said: “We are committed to supporting ethical practices across the construction sector, so by sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, we’re taking an important step to help tackle the risks of modern slavery in our industry and supply chains. “This partnership reflects our values and dedication to creating a responsible and fair supply chain, and we’re excited to work with Stronger Together and other organisations to make a real difference and protect workers.” Pamela Zielinski, Stronger Together’s Construction and Property Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome STARK UK as sponsors of our Construction and Property Programme.  The sponsors work together to address the risks of modern slavery in their business and in their supply chain through our workshops and free resources.  “We are excited for the year ahead and to continue our collaborative work to tackle modern slavery in construction and property whilst delivering industry wide change.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Selkent opens million-pound warehouse for enhanced customer service

Selkent opens million-pound warehouse for enhanced customer service

With a large million-pound investment Selkent, a leading UK supplier of construction fixings and tools, increases its customer fulfilment capacity with the opening of a brand-new warehouse in Sittingbourne, UK. Officially opened by local MP Kevin McKenna, the facility currently has 34 employees with an additional eight roles being recruited for within the local area. As part of the company’s wider growth plans, the new warehouse is accompanied by an office move to Orpington, offering easier commute to its employees and better links between the office and its new Kent-based warehouse. The new warehouse will form a central base for its upgraded delivery fleet operations, using entirely electric vehicles that utilise a new fleet management system, the Podfather. Integrated with the company’s back-office systems, the fleet management software helps to improve the efficiency of dispatch, ensure cost effective and resource efficient delivery management, and support the move towards paperless working. With improved efficiencies the warehouse will enhance the company’s on-site delivery service, helping customers overcome challenges, such as rising costs and supply chain issues, and meet project demands. Founder of Selkent, Julian Bushnell, said: “The new warehouse facility is key to our plans for company growth, enhanced customer fulfilment, and ever-improving sustainable operations. With a focus on delivering construction supplies to projects across the country, the new warehouse in Sittingbourne will act as a hub for our operations and we hope that our facility will provide increased business and careers in the local community for years to come.” Local Sittingbourne MP, Kevin McKenna, said: “The investment into the local economy and resulting employment opportunities is hugely beneficial for Sittingbourne. With ambitious plans to grow the team at the new warehouse, Selkent is leading by example to help improve sustainable operations within the construction industry as well as support their local community through increased business opportunities and employment.” To find out more about Selkent and its latest news, visit https://www.selkent.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Offsite specialist joins Alsecco to enhance design support

Offsite specialist joins Alsecco to enhance design support

Façade specialist Alsecco has appointed a new technical design and support specialist to further enhance its support for both offsite and traditional construction projects. Nick Barrett brings extensive experience of offsite construction to the role having previously worked at TopHat Modular. With a background in construction design and offsite manufacturing, he brings an in-depth understanding of innovation and efficiency to offsite construction. Alsecco, a leading manufacturer of external wall insulation and brick slip systems, has appointed Nick to work within its technical team to develop new façade offerings and provide bespoke support for developing projects. Nick will take a key role in overseeing and delivering CPD events to support technical understanding of external wall insulation and façade systems for architects, design managers and contractors. Ben Robinson, Technical Manager at Alsecco, said: “Nick brings not only a wealth of knowledge around all construction aspects to the business, but a forward-looking view on integrated technologies for construction products and a high degree of problem-solving skills. “Nick will assist in developing new façade offerings within the range and offer enhanced bespoke support for clients’ projects. “Having the right technical support for facades projects is essential to accurate specification and installation and we are delighted to have someone with Nick’s skillset on board that will both complement and expand our commitment to developing systems that directly meet the design, vision and needs of developers and architects.” Alsecco is a leading manufacturer of external wall insulation systems, specialising in render, brick and ceramic finishes.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Met office Storm Eowyn ‘danger to life' alert sparks roof safety warning from Actis

Met office Storm Eowyn ‘danger to life’ alert sparks roof safety warning from Actis

The Met Office’s ‘danger to life’ red warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn in the UK is another reminder of the importance of constructing roofs which can withstand extreme weather conditions, says insulation specialist Actis. Warnings that wind gusts of up to 100mph could see roofs blown off buildings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, and amber and yellow warnings issued for other parts of the UK underline the need to comply with roof construction building regulations. Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper explained: “That building standard – snappily titled BS5534:2014 slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding code of practice specifying criteria – addresses every component of the construction of a standard roof, including underlays, mortar bedding, battens, flashings and structural sheathing fixings. “And with not all underlays being suitable for use across all five regions of the UK, roofs in areas prone to being hit by strong winds need to choose membranes which are deemed suitable for use in these zones. Our insulating breather membrane Boost R Hybrid Roof is BRE-approved for use in even the windiest parts of the British Isles, including those affected by Storm Eowyn. “It’s worth noting that some underlays are only suitable for use in zones one to three.” Boost R Hybrid Roof has passed the BRE’s all-important wind uplift resistance test, with appropriate package labelling ensuring that roofers and builders can easily identify the correct underlay for the geographical region in which they are working, something particularly relevant for contractors working in wind-affected areas. Using Boost R Hybrid Roof means builders can minimise the ‘ballooning effect’ which sees the underlay force tiles and slates off the roof in high winds. Underlay is not allowed to balloon more than 35mm. The wind uplift pressure achieved by Boost ‘R Hybrid during the tests was way more effective than that required under the building standard, which calls for a minimum wind uplift resistance of 1600 Pa for a 345mm batten gauged roof covering, rising to 2350Pa for roofs with no ceiling and a permanent dominant opening. Boost R Hybrid Roof managed an impressive average of 3054Pa when used with taped lap alone and 5748Pa with the addition of a 38mm counter batten. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Eurowall® + is the insulation board for designers with safe, comfortable, energy efficient homes in mind

Eurowall® + is the insulation board for designers with safe, comfortable, energy efficient homes in mind

The updated Part L regulations, due to be usurped by the incoming Future Homes Standard, provide official consensus on the need to build energy-efficient homes that are less impactful to the environment. This has instigated a rethink in building design and the type of materials that comprise key elements such as cavity walls to not only ensure homes comply with current energy standards, but are also suitably equipped to meet future legislation without the need for significant renovation. Part L regulations, which require new homes to produce 31% less CO2 than previous legislation, highlight a fabric-first approach to building design – along with renewable technologies such as heat pumps – as being integral to attaining the standard. Appropriate insulation is integral to the fabric first principle. A product’s thermal performance, thickness and usability being foremost considerations when compliant building performance and buildability is the target. The introduction of The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) will help the specification process. How the Golden Thread Led to CCPI CCPI was initiated by the Construction Products Association’s Marketing Integrity Group in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s post-Grenfell report: ‘Building a safer future – Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’. Dame Judith’s report called for the creation of a “Golden Thread” of easily accessible information that blueprints a building’s DNA to safeguard its ongoing management. CCPI aligns with this report’s proposal by providing product information that is clear, accurate, current, accessible and unambiguous. In terms of insulation, this will help specifiers make more informed choices based on a product’s designed thermal performance, and how it is used safely and most effectively. As a manufacturer committed to best practice principles and improving building standards throughout the supply chain, Recticel recognises the value of CCPI in helping to create better-built homes that perform as-designed.   A Board that Fits with Housebuilding’s New Era With Recticel’s rigid full-fill insulation board, Eurowall® +, specifiers have a PIR product that embodies the drive for products that engender smarter working practices. A 90mm Eurowall® + board helps achieve a 0.18W/m2K U-value in 100mm masonry cavity walls. The resulting 10mm air gap makes the installation an easier, less labour-intensive process for bricklayers, which is also a benefit when budget constraints are in place.  Significant to Eurowall® + board’s design is a tongue and groove joint which appears on its four edges. This interlocking feature creates an airtight fit that reduces thermal bridging and moisture ingress. As a board that maximises thermal performance from minimal thickness, Eurowall® + also presents an opportunity for building designers to increase interior space whilst achieving compliance. Available in 90mm, 115mm, 140mm thicknesses, Eurowall® + brings an element of certainty to the building process; specifiers can be assured of its consistent thermal performance and long-term structural stability. Unlike fibrous insulation, which sags and degrades over time when damp sets in, Eurowall® + retains its strength to provide increased protection against moisture ingress and safeguard against thermal bridging. Eurowall® +, is the insulation board for housebuilding’s new era in which occupier comfort and well-being is matched by a focus on designing homes that are suitable for the cleaner, safer world we desire for generations to come. With that in mind, why wouldn’t you use Eurowall® +? Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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