The Knauf Fibra® range evolves to revolutionize the insulation of slab soffits

A player in France in wood wool panels for the insulation of slab soffits, Knauf is rethinking its Knauf Fibra range with major innovations focused on:

• A guarantee of conformity / performance that is unique on the market for contractors and at the forefront of the latest regulatory developments, particularly relating to fire protection, with the entry into force of the CSTB “Guide 2016”.
• Simplification for installers, with exclusive use, a source of productivity gains on construction sites.

Knauf Fibra®: solutions in line with recent regulatory developments and exclusive novelties

Indeed, the new regulations, commonly called “Guide 2016”, have an impact on the wood wool + insulation panels used. This guide insists in particular on the continuity of insulation against fire, recommending the use of panels with rebated edges, unless the tests make it possible to prove the fire performance of the panels with straight edges. Likewise, this guide requires protection of the insulation by a wood wool facing with a minimum thickness of 20 mm, with proof of the effectiveness of this protection by tests.

Recognized for several years as the most comprehensive offer on the market for insulation on slab soffits, Knauf Fibra combines wood wool facings and rock wool type insulation and high performance XTherm gray expanded polystyrene. Playing on the association of these components, as well as on two modes of implementation - at the bottom of the formwork or attached, by mechanical fixing under slabs - Knauf Fibra adapts to all sites in residential buildings, ERP and tertiary buildings ... in concrete slab, pre-slab, floor underside, parking ceiling, basement, garage, cellar, technical rooms.

Discover the advantages of the 3 new Knauf Fibra® products

New tests and certified products, further improved thermal performance in wood wool complexes containing EPS, a reduced number of fasteners per panel: zoom in detail on the full potential of Fibra Ultra +, Fibrastyroc and Fibraroc Typ2.

Fibra Ultra +: a novelty with an exclusive simplified implementation

Knauf has carried out the necessary tests to claim the conformity, in 1st and 2nd family residential buildings, of Fibra Ultra + panels with straight edges which combine wood wool facings and gray EPS.

As these panels have proven to be effective, the straight edges of Fibra Ultra + panels are retained in the new range. During the tests, the 20 mm wood wool panel demonstrated full compliance with the fire protection of the EPS insulation for 15 minutes, required in the buildings concerned.

To best serve the profitability and productivity of installation companies, Knauf has developed Fibra Ultra + with the aim of optimizing this novelty. Thus, only 6 fixing points per panel are necessary during the attached installation, instead of 10 previously. This 40% saving ensures even more competitive installation, due to the savings in accessories (dowels, drills) and faster installation.

Fibrastyroc: the versatile high performance solution further improved

The new rules imposed by the 2016 Guide also impact the Fibrastyroc offer. These composite panels combine an XTherm high performance gray EPS core, 40 mm rock wool and two wood wool facings. Usable in all families of residential buildings and public buildings, Fibrastyroc solutions can be used at the bottom of the formwork as well as in mechanical fixing.

To comply with the requirements of the new regulations, Fibrastyroc solutions have been able to demonstrate by testing their fire resistance with an REI 90. Fibrastyroc has also successfully passed the fire insulation protection tests (APL) for 30 minutes, required for their use in the premises concerned.

Fibrastyroc panels have a particularly neat finish thanks to their bevelled edges and their Clarity finish which ensures optimal light reflection, an asset that adds to the recognized aesthetic appearance of wood wool facings.

Still in this desire to support companies for more efficiency and profitability on construction sites, Knauf has reduced by 25% the number of fasteners required for the added installation of Fibrastyroc panels with 6 fasteners instead of 8 previously.

Fibraroc Typ2: also optimized for renovation, premises at risk ...

Knauf's Fibraroc Typ2 offer has also successfully passed the supporting tests (REI *) of the new rules of Guide 2016. This panel dedicated to mechanical fixing combines rock wool insulation (from 50 to 325 mm d thickness) to a wood wool siding.

Also applicable in all housing families, public buildings and premises at risk, Fibraroc Typ2 and Typ2 A2 panels (thicknesses from 50 to 325 mm) guarantee an REI 120.

A solution that is as aesthetic as it is efficient in terms of thermal insulation with an R of the panel alone that can reach 9,10 in its Fibraroc Typ2 version (325 mm).

* REI: the REI indicates the Mechanical resistance (stability of the material to fire), Gas and flame tightness (flame arrestor function), and Thermal insulation (fire protection function). It is expressed in minutes.

Wood wool: technical and environmental performance

With its exceptional acoustic performance, resistance to fire, humidity and mechanical attack, the wood wool of Knauf Fibra panels also offers impeccable aesthetics.

Resolutely environmental material, wood wool is a local, renewable and bio-based resource. As part of an HQE® approach, with an A + emissions rate for a respected air quality, wood wool claims a carbon impact that can be measured in the context of RE2020 and E + C -.

Knauf Fibra panels have verified FDES, measuring their environmental impact and certifying the amount of bio-based material used. The panels are entirely manufactured at Knauf Fiber, the only wood wool factory in France, located in Haute-Saône.

Find the right solution: follow the guide!

The new edition of the Knauf Fibra Design Guide makes it possible to quickly find the insulation solution for the soffit of slabs by type of building, by application or even according to the implementation, while taking into account fire safety requirements. and thermal or acoustic performance. A real choice aid tool, this guide is available on knauf.fr.

A word from expert Jean-Marc Maria to project managers and installers

“This enhancement of the Knauf Fibra range makes it possible to meet all the requirements of new regulations, in particular fire, with fire protection in accordance with the fire requirements of buildings (up to REI 180). Our solutions are part of a system approach and therefore offer you a complete range. Knauf Fibra provides high thermal performance (R.max <10) as well as acoustic properties (insulation and absorption). The Knauf Fibra range remains the widest in this market. It fits perfectly into an approach that is qualitative, safe and economical. Knauf Fibra panels are thermally the most efficient in the low floor insulation market. The quality of the wood wool guarantees the durability of the product over time, impeccable aesthetics, as well as significant powers of light reflection (parking lots), all in an exemplary environmental setting. "