The secret of achieving reliable performance levels is to design them into the fabric of the building. This makes everything fully controllable and repeatable as you’re not then relying on additional materials and treatments to be applied onsite.
Designed-in performance has always been at the heart of the Innovaré approach. This enables us to be fully confident about how our products will perform in the real world.
From i-FAST to psi-FAST
The highly successful award winning i-FAST system brought enhanced fire, acoustic, structural and thermal performance to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).
SIPs offer excellent control over U values, which measure the heat transfer through large surfaces such as walls, floors and roofs. With i-FAST panels U values can be as low as 0.10 W/m²K.
Fire safety was another important driver behind the development of the i-FAST system. The timber supporting framework is fully enclosed by non-combustible materials including mineral wool insulation and facing boards that are rated A1 non-combustible, Class 0 spread of flame.
As with thermal insulation, the i-FAST system ensures that achieving the required levels of fire resistance doesn’t depend on onsite installations that are harder to control. Performance is designed and built-in before the panels leave the factory.
Minimising Thermal Bridging
Total heat loss is also affected by thermal bridging, particularly at the junctions between major elements such as walls and floors. This measure of heat loss is known as the psi value and is a major contributor to the performance gap between theoretical and real world performance.
The psi-FAST system offers excellent control over both U and psi values through large format panels (up to 3.6 x 8m) and a structure that features fully insulated staggered studs in a 384mm thick closed panel. Airtightness is enhanced by the application of a liquid membrane.
These product innovations mean that however strict the performance requirements are, you can be confident that compliance is built into the fabric of the building and delivered through a controlled manufacturing process.
If you’d like to know more about how Innovaré panelised building systems deliver guaranteed performance levels contact enquiries@innovaresystems.co.uk or take a look at our resource centre.
