Benefits of insulation boards

Insulation boards are thin, lightweight panels with a high R-value. Aquaplan boards are made of PIR (polyisocyanurate), a material known for its excellent thermal performance. PIR insulation boards are durable, moisture-resistant and easy to install, making them perfect for DIYers. Some advantages at a glance:

• High insulation value: With a low lambda value of 0.022, PIR boards are among the best insulating materials on the market. 
• Pressure-resistant and walkable: PIR boards are more rigid than many other insulation materials and can be used for applications such as floor insulation.
• Moisture-resistant: Thanks to the micro-cell structure, they hardly absorb any moisture, making them suitable for use in damp environments.
• Lower energy consumption: A well-insulated home loses less heat, so you need less energy to heat or cool it. This reduces your energy costs and improves your EPC label.

Applications in the building envelope

Whether you’re working on a new build or renovating your home, insulation boards are an excellent choice in both cases. You can use them in the entire building envelope, from floor to roof. Although they’re versatile, we often hear a common misconception from our customers: that all insulation boards are suitable for every situation. Be careful – that’s not the case. Some insulation boards are specifically designed for certain applications, such as flat roofs.

Roof insulation: protect your roof from heat loss

Did you know that 30% of heat is lost through the roof? That makes good roof insulation essential. Aquaplan’s insulation boards deliver outstanding thermal performance for flat and pitched roofs.

Flat roof

• IKO enertherm MG: This insulation board is ideal for flat roofs thanks to its excellent pressure resistance and walkability. It’s perfect for glueing or heat welding roofing membranes and lightweight, making installation easier. 
• IKO enertherm BM: Specifically developed for flat roofs, this PIR insulation is lightweight and easy to install, with a finish that can be tailored to the specific application.

Pitched roof

• IKO enertherm ALU TG: Do you only use your loft for storage? Then these PIR boards are the ideal choice for wind- and damp-proofing your loft, wall, floor and ceiling. You can purchase these boards individually or opt for the IKO enertherm Multi-Fit pack, which contains multiple insulation boards.
• IKO enertherm Combi-Cover: Want to renovate your loft into a warm, comfortable living space? Thanks to its light weight and easy installation, this high-quality PIR insulation effortlessly provides an excellently insulated pitched roof.

Floor insulation: ensure comfort from the ground up

Floor insulation prevents cold from seeping into the house from below and contributes to an energy-efficient and comfortable indoor climate. 

• IKO enertherm Combi-Floor: This PIR insulation board has an OSB finish, making it sturdy, dimensionally stable and easy to install. It’s an excellent choice for floor insulation.

How do you install insulation boards?

Installing insulation boards is relatively simple, but good preparation is essential. The video tutorial will get you started. Here are some important steps:

1. Preparation: Measure the surface and determine the correct thickness of the boards.
2. Cutting to size: Use a handsaw or circular saw for a clean finish.
3. Fastening: The boards can be fixed using adhesive, bonding agents or screws, depending on the substrate and application. Aquaplan offers a wide range of fastening accessories.
4. Installing a vapour barrier: This is crucial to prevent air leaks and guarantee airtight insulation. Without a vapour barrier, condensation can form, which negatively affects the insulation performance.
5. Tools and safety: For the installation, you’ll need a handsaw, folding ruler, screwdriver or drill, and possibly a wet/dry vacuum. Don’t forget your personal protection: wear gloves, a dust mask, and hearing protection when working with a saw.

Why choose Aquaplan insulation boards?

Their unique structure sets insulation boards apart from other insulation materials like fibreglass or PUR foam. Aquaplan’s IKO enertherm insulation boards, for instance, are produced using a micro-cell structure that offers several key advantages:

• Excellent compressive strength that scores better than most PIR ALU boards on the market (175 kPa).
• Thermal performance: The lambda value for PIR insulation boards is around 0.022 W/mK. The R-value, which indicates the actual insulation value, depends on the thickness. In modern construction, thicknesses between 120 and 140 mm are common.
• Compressive strength and water resistance: With a compressive strength of 175 kPa in some PIR boards and the highest water resistance class (WLT Class 1), these boards are ideal for applications where load or moisture are factors.
• Fire safety: Although insulation boards are not always inherently fireproof, they can be part of a fireproof system, for example, in combination with plasterboard.

Whether you want to insulate a roof, floor or wall, there’s always a suitable PIR insulation board available. Thanks to their high thermal performance, ease of installation and long lifespan, these boards are ideal for DIYers. By choosing the right insulation, you save energy, increase your indoor comfort and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Subsidies and grants for insulation

Insulating your home can be a significant investment. Fortunately, grants and subsidies are often available. The exact amounts and conditions vary per region, application and income situation. In many cases, power networks offer financial support for insulation projects. This shortens the payback period of your investment considerably. Always check the website of your power network or government agency to see what subsidies you are entitled to.