Uniclass
L5172:P6204
premium products • proven solutions
CI/SfB
(41)
xj5
(M2)
January 2009
Alumasc
Swistherm with Cork
External Wall Insulation System
Cork
the next generation
The Alentejo Region of Portugal is home to the world’s
largest proliferation of cork oak trees and is the source
for Alumasc’s natural cork insulation.
The cultivation and management of these vast cork forests over hundreds of years has
100% Natural
allowed a uniquely rich and varied eco-system to develop, preserving the habitats of a
An organic, lightweight material with a
number of endangered species, some found only on the Iberian peninsular.
cellular structure that makes it the ideal
natural insulator.
Ecologically, cork forests absorb carbon dioxide on a significant scale, assisting in reducing
the impact of carbon emissions and other greenhouse gasses. As an insulant, cork achieves
energy savings and acoustic attenuation, fully complementing modern building techniques.
These factors, accompanied by the balanced nature of cork production and the stewardship
of the forests natural environment by its farmers, make cork the future of building with
natural insulation.
Ecological Processes
No chemicals or additives are used in the
manufacture of cork for use as an insulant
and very low amounts of energy are used by
the manufacturing process.
Thermal Stability
Cork maintains an even temperature, never
getting very hot or very cool. It has the
lowest embodied energy of all commonly
used insulation materials.
Fire Resistant
Cork contains natural fire inhibitors making it
fire-retardant and, on combustion, does not
release any toxic gasses.
Iberian Lynx
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Black Stork
of sustainable insulation
Naturally Produced
The manufacturing process used to
transform cork into a sustainable
building material recognises the need
to look after our environment. Low
energy levels and the absence of
additives and chemicals ensure that
cork has the lowest embodied energy of
any commonly used insulation material.
Durable
Cork Insulation Panels
The Ideal Building Material
Cork boards do not slump and therefore
The production process involves taking the
In the natural environment the biological
maintain their structure and insulating
bark from the cork oak tree, grading it for
function of cork is to protect the cork oak
properties over time. They are self
quality and then processing it into granules.
tree from temperature fluctuations and
supporting, mould-resistant and non-toxic.
Any waste is separated at this point and used
regulate its heat and moisture levels.
to fuel the production process.
As a result cork is an ideal material to
Renewable & Recyclable
incorporate into modern insulated
Cork bark is harvested once the cork oak
Next the granulated cork is placed into an
tree reaches maturity (25 years). In a
autoclave and steam is injected causing
healthy tree 25-75mm of bark re-grows to be
the cork to expand. The granules bond
When cork insulation is incorporated into
harvested again every nine years. This helps
themselves together using the natural resins
Alumasc’s Swistherm external wall insulation
prolong the lifespan of the tree, often up to
(sap) in the cork.
system, the result is a high performance
150 years. Cork is 100% recyclable.
Once bonded, the block of “black” cork is
Biodiverse
cooled using recycled water and then left to
Cork plantations sustain a huge variety of
rest, after which it is trimmed square and
indigenous wildlife which is dependent upon
cut to the required thickness.
render systems.
façade that offers all the benefits of an
insulated render system, but with enhanced
environmental credentials.
the maintenance of the cork oak forests.
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The
Low Carbon
*Swistherm with Cork
Swistherm with Cork can be used
extensively on both new build and
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remodelling projects. A lightweight,
yet robust construction system,
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it provides the perfect solution
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for low carbon, energy efficient
developments and meets The Code
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for Sustainable Homes Requirements
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for external wall construction.
*Cork insulation is also suitable
for use with Alumasc’s Swisslab,
Swisspan and Swisrail insulated
render systems.
Acoustics
Designated an A+ rating in the
Excellent acoustic insulation levels
Green Guide to Specification for
are achieved offering far superior
maximum benefit in BREEAM and Code
results when compared with traditional
for Sustainable Homes assessments.
construction materials.
Thermal Conductivity
Lightweight
0.038 W/mk ensures the building
This form of construction is more
has excellent insulation levels and
lightweight, yet as dimensionally
is energy efficient.
stable as traditional masonry.
Airtight
Rot Proof
The system guarantees low
Cork is rot proof, therefore has
fluctuations of temperature, keeping
unlimited durability for the
the building warm in the colder months
lifetime of the building.
benefit from consistent and low
energy requirements.
Energy Efficient
Cork creates an energy efficient
façade solution with style when
Firesafe
combined with contemporary and
Tested to BS 8414-1:2002 and is compliant
vibrant high performance renders.
with the performance criteria set out in
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2
A+ Rated
and cool on warmer days. Building clients
BR135-1:2003.
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Typical System Components
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Solid blockwork substrate
2
ST1 Composite Mortar used as
bedding adhesive
3
High density Cork insulation slab
4
ST1 Composite Mortar used as a
reinforcing layer
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Glassfibre reinforcement mesh bedded
into top third of ST1 Composite Mortar
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ST Render Primer to match silicone
topcoat colour
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ST Silicone Render decorative finish in a
range of colours and textures
ecological insulated render system
ST Lightweight Renders
Alumasc’s ST range of Mineral and
Silicone renders provide the ideal
top coat finish for the Swistherm
Cork system. They are available
in a wide range of contemporary,
vibrant colours and textures,
offering contractors a product
which is convenient to use and
quick to apply to all commonly
found substrates.
Scraped Texture Finish
Grooved Texture Finish
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Manufactured under ISO 14001:2004
Environmental Management Standard
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Wide range of colours and decorative
textures
•
Fully weather resistant whilst remaining
vapour permeable
•
Excellent durability and UV stable from
a thin system build up
•
Protects against damaging solvents, acids
and pollutants in the environment
•
Low susceptibility to soiling
•
Highly resistant to impact damage
•
Jointless finish
•
Rated Class 0 for surface spread of flame
when used as part of insulated systems
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A sustainable environment
A Natural Solution for The National Trust
When the National Trust for Scotland wanted to refurbish two properties at Culzean Castle & Country Park
they opted for the Swistherm with Cork system. Both cottages are of historic interest and all parties were
resolved to make certain that the construction materials used addressed their environmental concerns whilst
also ensuring that the finished result was sympathetic to the age and style of the buildings.
Specification
After consultation with Alumasc’s technical
Stephen Kennedy, Chief Executive of J.S.B.
support service, the contractors installed
Kennedy, Scottish Veterans’ Garden City
Swistherm with 50mm Cork panels,
Association (Inc.) said “It is unquestionably
overcoated with an ST Mineral render finish
a first class product and once the panels had
to meet the waterproofing requirements.
been erected, a change for the better in the
The finished result delighted all the
companies involved: JK Laidlaw, Surveyor,
Culzean Castle and Country Park said “At the
outset we considered that the product met
our requirements and we are delighted with
the finished result.”
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character of the cottage was immediately
noticeable. The house has a warm feel about
it and its look, particularly from the visitor’s
side, is markedly improved.”
Technical Characteristics
and Service Support
Characteristics of Cork
BREEAM & The Code for
Sustainable Homes
Thermal Conductivity
0.038 W/mK
In addition to being carbon neutral in its
Vapour Diffusion μ
10-18
Density
110/120 kg/m³
in The Green Guide to Specification, making
E-Modulus
5 N/mm²
BREEAM: Excellent and Code Level 6 designs
Compressive Strength
140 KN @ 10% compression
Product Fire Rating
E (Euroclass)
Global Warming Potential
Zero
Ozone Depletion Potential
Zero
Insulation Thickness
From 20mm to 250mm
Board Sizes
1000 x 500mm
growth, production and transportation cycle,
cork insulation achieves an ‘A’ summary rating
eminently achievable.
Installation
Cork insulation is as easy to install as any of
its man-made equivalents. Simply bonded by
adhesive or mechanically fixed, it can be cut
to form curves or complex façade details.
Once installed it will receive a full range
of surface treatments from contemporary
lightweight renders to polymeric and
dashing finishes.
Alumasc Technical Support
Alumasc Technical Services can advise on all aspects of product selection, specification and
integration of Alumasc systems into any building design. Specific technical advice is always
available through our Area Sales Managers, Site Support Technicians or Technical Services team.
Design Support
Installation, Aftercare & Warranties
•
Detailed site evaluation and
survey reports
•
Installed by an
Approved Contractor Network
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Cost estimates
On-site technical and installation support
•
•
•
•
Product samples
Project specific elevational colour
schemes and CAD drawings
Specification Support
•
•
•
Detailed NBS specifications
Regulatory advice
Health & Safety and Product data sheets
Calculations
•
Thermal calculations and condensation
risk analysis
•
Wind loading calculations (for high
rise projects)
Project specific warranties
Supplementary maintenance schedules
and programmes
Online Technical Tools –
www.alumascfacades.co.uk
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•
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NBS Specification Generator
CAD Library
Colour Selector
Calculators
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premium products • proven solutions
ALUMASC EXTERIOR BUILDING PRODUCTS LTD
Rainwater
White House Works, Bold Road, Sutton,
Drainage
St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 4JG
United Kingdom
Waterproofing
Telephone: +44 (0)1744 648400
Facsimile: +44 (0)1744 648401
Metal Roofing
Website: www.alumascfacades.co.uk
Façades
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Support
Literature Hotline
+44 (0)1744 648400
+44 (0)808 100 2008
Printed on 80%
recycled paper stock
All reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this brochure, all information, recommendations and guidance notes on the use of The
Products are made without guarantee since the conditions of use are beyond the control of Alumasc Exterior Building Products Limited (The Company).
The customer is responsible for ensuring that each product is fit for its intended purpose and that conditions for use are suitable.
The information contained in this brochure and advice arising therefrom is free of charge and accordingly on the terms that no liability nor liability for
negligence will attach to the Company or its servants in relation to any such service arising out of or in connection with this brochure.
The Company pursues a policy of constant product development and information contained in this publication is therefore subject to change without notice.
01/09/3K/SLG12482/KG