Frequently Asked Questions

What is R-value?

R-value is the measurement of resistance of heat flow through an object. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat transfer.

How effective are Eurothane GP PIR boards, in terms of flood and water resilience?

Eurothane GP boards have minimal water uptake, due to their closed cell structure. During immersion in water for 24 hours, water absorption is limited to around 2%. The closed cell structure means that, even when wet, Eurothane GP boards will maintain their integrity. Other common types of cavity insulation, such as mineral wool batts and blown insulation, can slump when wet and retain moisture for longer, slowing down the wall drying process.

Do joints between boards need to be sealed?

It is good practice to seal board joints with Eurothane Tape, as it controls the rate of passage of water vapour and improves the airtightness of the building envelope. Abutments with other construction elements should be sealed with a low modulus silicon sealant.

Do electrical cables need to be wrapped?

No. Cables can penetrate the insulation with no detriment to the cable sheathing.

How is Eurothane GP insulation made?

A simple chemical reaction between two raw materials (polyol and isocyanate) which, in reaction with a blowing agent, expands to form polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam. The reaction is exothermic and the embodied energy arising from the manufacturing process is minimal. The foam expands and bonds to foil facing materials. As it cools, it becomes rigid and is cut to the required dimensions.

Are Eurothane GP insulation products environmentally friendly?

Our boards are an extremely efficient form of insulation and over the life of a building, will save far more energy in their use, than that required in their production, resulting in significant reductions in energy consumption and cost, as well as reduced CO2 emissions.
All Eurothane GP Insulation products use CFC-free and HCFC-free materials in their manufacture and, as such, have a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 5, and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).
Recticel Insulation, Stoke-on-Trent (UK), has been approved by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance to the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System standard.

What environmental standards does Eurothane GP meet?

- AS 2122.1-1993 Determination of Flame propagation
- UK A+ 2008 BRE Green Guide

Can Eurothane GP be installed exposed to the ground? Is a vapour control layer (VCL) required in a floor?

In addition to the DPM (normally a 1200-gauge polythene sheet), a 500-gauge polythene VCL should be laid over the insulation if a concrete slab or a screed is to be poured on top. This will protect the foil face of the board from alkaline within the concrete, and provide a barrier to stop water contained in the slab/screed from penetrating the board joints. It also stops the board joints being opened by poured concrete and causing a thermal break.

If a floating timber floor is to be laid, the VCL should be installed below the floor finish.

What quality standards do Eurothane GP products meet?

Recticel Insulation prides itself on the quality of its products, particularly its dimensional stability and flatness. We consider the quality of our boards to be second to none.
Recticel operates a Quality Management System in accordance with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and offers CE Marking to ‘ISO EN 13165 – Thermal insulation products for buildings.

Can Eurothane GP be used with under floor heating?

Eurothane GP boards are compatible with both hydronic and electrical under floor heating systems. Clipping a wet system through the VCL described above, will not compromise the performance of the VCL or the insulation.

Do Eurothane GP insulation boards release harmful toxins when heated?

No, our boards do not release any sort of gas or toxins - harmful or otherwise - when used in hot situations (e.g. lining a sauna). As long as the correct instructions and processes are followed when using and installing the boards, an indefinite and consistent service life and performance can be expected.

Can I use Eurothane GP to insulate my roof?

Yes, because the PIR boards are rigid they can be press fitted between the roof rafters, or attached below the rafters.

Can electric cables be channelled into Eurothane GP insulation boards?

Yes, but it would reduce the performance of the boards.

What glue do I use to stick the Eurothane GP boards to plaster board or metal?

You can use 'Selleys Liquid Nails' or PVA. You will need to secure the boards in place until the glue goes off.