DeSilvaLine PIR

Best- DOW Thermax is a special order and requires 5-8 weeks lead time. This is the best board in the Australian market because it has local and overseas testing to As/ISO 9705 (wall and ceiling), FM4880, NFPA 285 and 286, just to name a few. UL and FM are tests developed by the US insurance risk assessors to predict fire behaviour in commercial and industrial; buildings. Recommended for public assets and shopping centres.

Better - PIRMAX is Australian made and owned. The products have been tested to Australian standards using ISO standards (like 9705). Product has shorter lead times than imported products. Recommended for residential apartments and units. Or where cost is becoming an issue. An alternate solution needs to be approved to use combustible products on external walls. Car park soffits requiring Group 1 fire assessment is available.

Best - Products include DOW Tuff-R or grades from overseas that are boarderline PIR with lower fire performance and only suitable behind plasterboard or other lining systems deemed to be ignition barriers. This product range has a silver foil that can be taped to act as an air and vapour barrier when taped. Basic fire testing to As1530.3, please do not specify as exposed linings or facades.

DePolyline XPS or EPS

XPS (extruded polystyrene) is characterised by it's higher compressive strength relative to EPS (expanded polystyrene) and lower water absorption.

XPS Grades

DOW Styrofoam - this is the most trusted name in insulation to perform in the long term. DOW Chemicals has developed a number of grades such as HD, RTM, Roofmate, Floormate, SMTG and Perimate. Not all of these products are available since DOW closed the plant in Australia. We are experienced in using and specifying DOW Styrofoam products, please contact us to confirm which blowing agent, thermal conductivity and compressive strength best suits your application.

For example, DOW Styrofoam Roofmate SL is a 300kPa (compressive strength) extruded polystyrene suitable for use under stone ballast, pavers or screed and tile finishes. Alternatives are DOW Styrofoam SMTG (25 kPa) for use under stone ballast or pedestrian traffic systems. Last is to select the required environmental performance of the blowing agent, Zero Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Foamex Styroboard - here is a safe non-imported local success story. The product is manufactured in Melbourne and provides a classic XPS without the issues of many of the imported polystyrene's namely are they using CFC, HCFC or HFC blowing agents that have high GWP. Our supply experience has been good,

• meeting the required insulation value
• a good compressive strength and
• short supply time time is essential to good service.

DePolyLine EPS

This is the cost effective and value for money options selected by most design and construct projects that are on a tight budget. It is not what I would use on my own house.

DepolyLine EPS with foil.

This is the cost effective and value for money options selected by most design and construct projects that are on a tight budget. It is not what I would use on my own house.

DePolyLine EPS Cladding

This is a bad idea, please call us for better options. see the rectification section for solutions to fixing leaky buildings or mouldy walls.

Pliable Membranes

Breather membranes / Vapour Permeable Membranes (VPM) / Sarking/ House Wrap

Location: Installed on the outside of a stud wall (either metal or timber) frame.

Performance: Vapour Permeability no greater than 4 ug/N.s or the inverse Vapour Resistance no less than 0.25 MN.s/g

Location: Installed with a minimum air gap of 5-10 mm (using a spacer mat for flat profiles) below the roof sheet and above the roof structure to ensure clear and continuous drainage to the fall into the gutter.

A condensation risk is recommend if no vapour barrier is installed at the ceiling line for Climate Zones 3-8. Using mean temperature could mask worst case scenarios and provide false assurance. We recommend using lowest mean temperatures in winter as per https://youtu.be/Kqvyl6uCvPE , both thermal bridging and condensation risk can be managed. Be aware average performance calculation can lead to mould, mildew and condensation stains, this is potentially more dangerous than dust and pollen being kept out by foil air barriers as shown by other suppliers.

For Sydney Climates for example to have a zero to very low risk of condensation risk we recommend fitting both an internal and external moisture control layers in a building with double or triple glaze windows and passive house like seals. See below for examples of roof and wall designs.