The new FOAMGLAS® T3 + insulates the roof of a military base in the Gard

After a prior visit to the site, SOPREMA highlighted the problem of such a thickness of insulation in the face of an insufficient acrotre height. Rather than undertaking additional work and giving up this high-performance cellular glass solution, the company preferred to offer the client the new FOAMGLAS® T3 + in 150 mm thickness. Originating from Pittsburgh Corning Research and Development, FOAMGLAS® T3 + insulation sheets have an exceptional thermal conductivity of 0.036 W / mK

This value obtained with cellular glass is revolutionary and places FOAMGLAS® T3 + ahead of its competitors in non-combustible materials, in particular for insulating roofs under waterproofing (with load-bearing element in concrete slab, steel or wood tray). With a density of 100 kg / m3, FOAMGLAS® T3 + has a high compressive strength (400 kPa), is air and water tight.

A wise choice, which meets the technical requirements of the structure.

FOAMGLAS® T3 + on the roof: a wise choice, which meets the technical requirements of the structure

The restoration site of the restoration center of the Nîmes-Orange-Laudun defense base, intended for base personnel - room, kitchen - also included the waterproofing of the 3.200 m2 roof. Started in March 2017, the works were able to be carried out quickly thanks to the intervention of two teams.

To meet the demands for thermal insulation, durability and mechanical resistance, the roof has been completely renovated. In the case of this site, the contracting authority had the constraint of achieving a thermal performance of R> 4. Insulation in cellular glass of the FOAMGLAS® T4 + type in 170 mm thickness (lambda ≤ 0,041 W / mK ) has therefore been recommended. However, after a prior site visit, the SOPREMA company noticed that the thickness of the FOAMGLAS® T4 + was too high compared to the height of the acrottery. It therefore proposed the new FOAMGLAS® T3 + cellular glass plates (thickness 150 mm) which have a revolutionary thermal conductivity of 0.036 W / mK FOAMGLAS® T3 + could both solve the problem of reading heights in line with acroters, and provide the thermal resistance desired by the customer. Solution validated by the contracting authority.

Once the existing iso-waterproof complex had been deposited, the FOAMGLAS® T3 + cellular glass plates were placed by hot gluing. This FOAMGLAS® Compact roofing technique consists of sticking the insulation on the support, sticking the insulating plates together, and sticking the bituminous waterproofing in full adhesion to the cellular glass. Neither air, humidity, nor water can migrate inside such a roofing complex.

This laying technology, in addition to having a long-lasting insulation, leads to a significant longevity of the seal. The durability of FOAMGLAS® Compact flat roofs is recognized as being 40 years, against 15 to 20 years for flat roofs in general.

In addition, during the renovation of the roof, FOAMGLAS® cellular glass is kept. There is therefore no removal and installation of a new insulator. The lifetime of the seal and the conservation of the cellular glass generate considerable savings for the client. Cellular glass is truly an economical and ecological insulation solution.

Another advantage is that FOAMGLAS® cellular glass is non-combustible. It strongly resists compression without compaction. Its air and moisture tightness, its ability to block insects and its thermal performance does not decrease over time. The FOAMGLAS® Compact roof thermally secures the building, but also against fire risk.

Thibault HAFNER, site manager SOPREMA Montpellier Agency
As part of the repair of the waterproofing of the roof of the restoration pole of the Nîmes-Orange-Laudun defense base, our objective was to maintain the existing level of acrotery. The new FOAMGLAS® T3 + cellular glass plates enabled us to achieve the thermal performance required by the contracting authority, while avoiding raising the acroters.

FOAMGLAS® cellular glass: essential qualities

FOAMGLAS® cellular glass is a rigid insulating material. Composed of fine airtight and moisture-proof glass bubbles, it retains its thermal properties over time.

Both rigid and with a very low coefficient of expansion, FOAMGLAS® sheets can be glued together. Cellular glass thus achieves perfectly continuous insulating layers, which are also vapor barrier, rain barrier and airtight. Floors, walls and roofs are thus perfectly insulated.

• Thermal safety: the air and moisture tightness of the insulating layer results in a thermal resistance which remains stable over time.
• Fire safety : FOAMGLAS® is 100% non-combustible and airtight. On the facade as on the roof, it provides maximum security for people and property in the face of fire risk.
• Infiltration and condensation security: the FOAMGLAS® compact insulating layer prevents any risk of water or vapor migration.
• Solidity: FOAMGLAS® is highly resistant to compression, and without compaction.
• Health security: FOAMGLAS® blocks insects and rodents, it does not release VOCs (A + classification), and it does not absorb moisture. FOAMGLAS® protects users and the indoor air of buildings.

Defense base Nîmes-Orange-Laudun, in Garons in the Gard

Delegated project management: Establishment of the Lyon Defense Infrastructure Service (ESID), represented by infrastructure office No. 2 of the investment division.
Project management: Project management department of the investment division of Montpellier.
Company: SOPREMA Agence de Montpellier.
Works manager: Thibault HAFNER

FOAMGLAS® T3 +
Lambda 0.036 W / mK
Non-combustible (A1)
Rth = 2.5 for a thickness of 9 cm
Rth = 4.5 for a thickness of 16.2 cm
Rth = 7 for a thickness of 25.2 cm
Rth = ... (no limit in thickness, the material resistant to compression without compaction)
Density: 100 kg / m3
Compressive strength (EN 826-A): 400 kPa