Multifoil trade body acts to clarify confusion on insulation standards

Latest News Tue, Mar 22, 2016 5:08 PM

Multifoil trade body acts to clarify confusion on insulation standards

The European Multifoil Manufacturers association (EMM) has voiced concern over confusion surrounding multifoil insulation product standards in the run up to the introduction of the new Construction Products Regulation.

The regulation, which will require all construction products to carry CE-marking, comes into force in July 2013.

As innovative reflective multifoils do not have yet harmonised European standards, EMM says misunderstandings have arisen within the industry about the scope and content of the norm EN 16012 for reflective insulation products, published in the UK early in 2012.

EMM spokesman, Robert Menras, explained: “EN 16012 describes the test method to evaluate the declared thermal performance of reflective insulation products, including multifoils, based on the use of lab testing methodologies.

"The issue is that EN 16012 cannot yet lead to CE-marking as it is a supporting norm, not a product norm. A product norm for reflective insulation products is therefore being developed, but it has not yet been published. It means that EN 16012 cannot be made mandatory and can only be used on a voluntary basis.”

Initially, two CEN  working groups were set up to create two supporting norms: The first, a testing standard for reflective insulation products based on lab methodologies and the second, a testing standard based on more dynamic in situ-methods to evaluate the thermal performance of all insulation products – including foam boards, mineral wool and multifoils - in real life conditions. The aim was that the two groups’ conclusions would be reached in parallel, enabling the two testing standards to come into force at the same time and feed the product standard for reflective multifoil insulation.

Robert Menras continued: “As this has unfortunately not been achieved, the European Commission has confirmed that until the findings of both working groups have been concluded, the EN 16012 standard alone will not lead to a product standard.”

EMM welcomes the fact that when the product standard for the reflective multifoil insulation industry is published, it will include a dual testing methodology, enabling the products to claim an in situ value combined with and complementing the lab value.

Robert Menras added: "Even if there appears to be a debate on which testing method will be more robust and applicable – lab or in situ – the reality is that the future will reconcile both. This will impact not only on the multifoil industry, but on the insulation industry as a whole, as the EN supporting standard for in situ testing will apply to all insulation materials, not just reflective multifoils.

"We are happy about this because it will give customers and consumers a true picture of the performance gap which may occur between what is measured in lab and what is actually achieved in real life, evidence also recognized by the DECC in a recent publication about the Green Deal.”

Featured News

Specification news
New from Garador

GaraPro Automation Kit + Door Package for just £949Garador has just launched its...

Read More >>

Specification news
Renson at the Old War Office: Historic elegance, modern...

The historic Old War Office (OWO), a Grade II* listed neo-Baroque landmark in central...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Vertical radiators complete range Brochure

Vertical radiators c...
By Myson

Download Now >>

Myson Radiant Heating Premium underfloor heating systems Brochure

Myson Radiant Heatin...
By Myson

Download Now >>

Which heat emitter is the right one? Brochure

Which heat emitter i...
By Myson

Download Now >>

Sustainable heating solutions for renovation Brochure

Sustainable heating...
By Myson

Download Now >>

Rearo Tradeline Brochure

Rearo Tradeline
By Rearo

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

DUOFLEX
DUOFLEX

DUOFLEX is a high quality elastomeric bitumen, hot bonded to the substrate incorporating the fleece...

Read More >>

TECSOUND
TECSOUND

TECSOUND is a polymer based, bitumen-free, high-density synthetic membrane. The combination of its...

Read More >>

ISOLAIR MULTI
ISOLAIR MULTI

ISOLAIR MULTI is a natural and ecological vapour-permeable, windproof and water-repellent thermal...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Our SUSTAINABILITY Roadmap
Our SUSTAINABILITY Roadmap

Myson has a clear sustainability strategy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)...

Watch Now >>

Sustainable Energy Efficient Solutions
Sustainable Energy Efficient Solutions

From radiators and underfloor heating to ceiling convectors and towel warmers, Myson is the UK’s...

Watch Now >>

UNISENZA PLUS Smart Controls_The complete system solution
UNISENZA PLUS Smart Controls_The complete system solution

With Unisenza Plus Smart Controls you can easily monitor and control all linked heating products via...

Watch Now >>