The difference between testing thermal insulation products by immersion and diffusion is to assess the level of water absorption when the material is sitting/submerged in

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation is unique among common thermal insulation materials for its low moisture absorption and tolerance of wet environments. Whether installed directly in

Standards relating to flat roof and green roof construction distinguish between different types of green roof. These are not the same distinctions we discussed in

A green roof is a flat roof with a planted roof covering, and which can also provide biodiversity in some instances. Like a ‘normal’ flat

ETAG 031 is part of a family of European Technical Approval Guidelines (ETAGs). It was prepared in 2010 under the Construction Products Directive (CPD) –

The design of an inverted warm flat roof – where the thermal insulation is above the waterproofing layer – allows for the possibility of rainwater

Here, we offer guidance on how the compressive strength of ground floor insulation compares to that of other layers in a floor.

At the end of June 2019, the UK Government issued an advice note regarding balconies on residential buildings and fire safety. The advice note followed

A fire usually starts inside a building, so internal fire spread is as critical a part of fire safety regulations as external fire spread. It’s

As one of the two main areas of building design and construction where extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation is commonly specified, it’s useful to understand how

As one of the two main areas of building design and construction where extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation is commonly specified, it’s useful to understand how

When considering the fire performance of building elements, generally it is necessary to distinguish between the fire performance of individual components (such as an insulation

A water control layer (WCL), or water flow reducing layer (WFRL), is a loose laid membrane installed over inverted warm roof insulation. The performance of

For a flat roof construction – be it a cold roof, a warm roof, or a warm inverted roof – the calculation method for year-round

A blue roof is a flat roof construction – either a warm roof or an inverted warm roof – where additional elements are incorporated into

Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager at Polyfoam XPS highlights common misconceptions about ground floor insulation and offers guidance on specification and installation. How many

Ian Exall, National Sales Manager of Polyfoam XPS gives his view. Fundamentally, price remains the driving factor on construction projects, but priorities have shifted. The

December 2018 saw the publication of amendments to the Building Regulations in England, as part of the response to the Grenfell Tower disaster. The amendments

A revised version of BS 6229, the code of practice for ‘flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproofing coverings’, came into effect on 30th November

As a British Standard only (rather than an adopted European or International standard), BS 6229 concentrates on flat roof construction in the UK. It describes