Kingspan Kooltherm K5 Insulation Board for External Wall Insulation Systems

We are well aware of the fact that the insulation market has broaden over the years and now offers a variety of insulation products that can be used either solely or as a part of innovative insulation systems, why it is not always easy to make the final and more important the right choice. Since wall insulation is extremely important nowadays due to all potential benefits it can bring, including considerable money savings, improved energy efficiency, environmental protection, additional stability and soundness of the wall and overall thermal performance upgrade, we will herewith reveal everything you need to know about Kingspan Kooltherm K5 insulation board and its use in external wall insulation systems.

Kingspan Kooltherm K5 external wall insulation board is a highly efficient rigid phenolic insulation board, consisting of a premium performance rigid resin insulant, covered with glass tissue based facings on both sides, which are bonded to the insulation core during the manufacturing process. The insulation core of the boards is manufactured with 0 ODP and low GWP which also makes the board extremely environmentally friendly. The boards are available in standard 1200x600mm dimensions and various thicknesses ranging from 20-80mm.

What also makes these boards an excellent choice is the fact that they provide great comprehensive strength, water resistivity and basically do not have an expiration date if properly installed (the durability will also depend on the stability and characteristics of the surrounding and supporting structure). The key of their durability is also found in their microbial growth, vermin and mould resistance. Although the core of the boards is resistant most mineral oils and alkalis, it is advised that in case of any spill, it should be properly removed and cleaned following the given instructions, prior to installation. Kingspan K5 insulation boards are also suitable for commercial and industrial applications, due to the fact that they offer a level of fire resistance and are Class 0 fire rated, in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Kingspan Kooltherm K5 Installation

Kingspan K5 phenolic insulation wall board has wide application in insulating cavity walls and solid walls and is usually used as a part of insulated render systems or ventilated cladding systems. Prior to commencing the installation, the following consideration should be taken into account: 

• the boards can be cut with either a fine tooth saw or by applying score and snap technique using a sharp knife and a straight edge, whereas all the edges of the boards should be properly trimmed in order of enabling continuous insulation;
• if the installation work cannot be carried out in a single day or experiences any extended interruptions, all the board joints and edges should be properly covered and protected from the weather;
• the boards are designed for indoor storage, but if they have to be stored outside, they should be covered with proper weatherproof sheeting;
• the boards are safe to use, why they require no special equipment or installation conditions.

Insulated render systems

Please note that the Kooltherm K5 insulation boards installation will depend on the render system used. However, the following general rules may also apply.

The boards should be installed onto a clean and smooth service, so make sure to remove all dirt and protrusions. If necessary, use a bedding compound for the remaining uneven surfaces prior to fixing the boards. The boards are fixed at 150mm below the ground insulation top surface for a concrete floor and 200mm below the ground insulation top surface for suspended timber floor. The installation should be performed in a brick-bond pattern and all board joints should be tightly butted. Special care should be taken around all reveals in regard to the insulation thickness.

The boards are fixed to the external wall using adequate fasteners and a minimum of five fixings per board, located at minimum 300mm centres at external corners and openings and more than 50mm and less that 150mm from edges and corners (please refer to the render system manufacturer whether additional fixings are required).

Once the Kingspan K5 wall boards have been installed, try to avoid cold bridging when reattaching ancillaries and services, and use sill extenders and flashings around openings in refurbishment projects. Finally, check with the render manufacturer whether glass fibre mesh or bedding mortar need to be applied.

Ventilated cladding systems

When creating a ventilated cladding system, Kingspan Kooltherm K5 wall boards are temporarily fixed to the exterior wall with bedding compound or mechanical fixings. The boards are fixed at 150mm below the ground insulation top surface for a concrete floor and 200mm below the ground insulation top surface for suspended timber floor. The installation should be performed in a brick-bond pattern and all board joints should be tightly butted. Special care should be taken around all reveals in regard to the insulation thickness.

A breathable membrane should be pinned or stapled over the installed insulation. Then, vertical softwood threatened timber battens (minimum 38x38mm) are fixed to the wall, through the insulation and the breather membrane. When choosing and adding fixings, take into account the cladding weight, wind load and wall design. Depending on the chosen cladding system, either horizontal battens can be fixed to the vertical ones (for tile or slate cladding) or timber cladding can be fixed to the installed fixed timber battens directly. If the cladding system should be covered with a insulated render, then a render carrier can be fixed directly to the vertical timber battens. For additional security of the system, please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Find out more about the Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board and the various External Wall Systems we offer by reading product specifications and descriptions on our website. Get a free quote for your EWI project and a fast delivery by placing your order online with Insulation Shop. For any additional information contact us through our live chat support system or send us an email to info@insulationshop.co.