Our PAVATEX range: availability and new products

PAVATEX is widely known across the UK as a first-rate solution for thermal, moisture, acoustic and overheating control, both for new builds and in retrofit systems. With innovative solutions like this range of wood fibre insulation products, SOPREMA remains true to its pledge to build for the future, and to help you design and construct more eco-friendly buildings. In this article, we discuss the recent steps we have taken to ensure PAVATEX availability. We also introduce you to new additions such as PAVATEXTIL, a soft thermo-acoustic insulation slab made from recycled textile, and the biobased insulation systems PAVAROOF F (Flat Roof system) and PAVAROOF P (Pitched Roof system). PAVATEX: available on a regular basis 1. Exclusive distribution through Unity Lime We have recently decided to consolidate our PAVATEX distribution through Unity Lime. A York- and Buckinghamshire-based distributor of sustainable and eco-friendly building materials, Unity Lime is keen to ensure the whole of the UK has access to SOPREMA’s high-quality, top-performance insulation materials. Following this decision, lead times have stabilised. We are happy to announce that all PAVATEX products can be ordered on a regular lead time. 2. Investing in even more capacity The PAVATEX range is currently manufactured in our factory in Golbey, in the northeast of France, which started out in 2013 as the highest-performing and most environmentally friendly woodfibre production plant in Europe. Yet SOPREMA is also investing in additional capacity, as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the UK market. We are launching two new plants in Nîmes in the south of France, one of which is set to increase the production of our natural insulation materials. This manufacturing facility will reuse waste from the Saint-Gilles rice fields (situated about 12 miles from the SOPREMA production site), processing it to become insulation material. 3. Warranties Next to our increased capacity, we will also be offering more inclusive warranties. What remains important, however, is that our warranties are based on the full use of SOPREMA systems. It is not advised to use the replacement products advertised by some distributors, instead of PAVATEX. Given the availability of PAVATEX products, there is no need to take the risk that comes with deviating from what is specified. After all, the alternative insulation products are not on par with PAVATEX ISOLAIR in terms of density – which is significant, given that density also affects decrement delay, an essential factor in a product’s heating and cooling efficiency. The less dense, the lesser the performance. Mind that PAVAFLEX and PAVATEXTIL, too, are lighter-density materials. PAVATEXTIL: low-cost alternative for PAVAFLEX There is an increased demand for sustainable building products, and many of them are in short supply. The PIR supply tightness, for instance, is linked to a shortage in polyols, which are made from recycled post-consumer plastic packaging such as PET bottles. While our woodfibre insulation range is still readily available and soon to increase in production capacity, we also offer a low-cost alternative: PAVATEXTIL P insulation boards, which can be used in the exact same locations as PAVAFLEX. Pavatextil P is made by recycling and recovering end-of-life textiles, mainly jeans. It offers a healthy, high-performance insulation solution with a positive impact on the environment. PAVAROOF Systems: launched in France, trial sites in UK PAVAROOF F and PAVAROOF P, two thermal insulation systems that combine cork and wood, ensure the transition to low-carbon buildings. They consist of: ● SOPRAVAP HYGRO, a vapour control and airtight membrane with variable water vapour diffusion resistance and high resistance to tearing ● PAVAROOF WFB, the first layer of insulation in woodfibre panels ● PAVAROOF ICB, the second layer of insulation in expanded cork panels ● SOPRAVOILE 100, a fire-resistant fibreglass separation layer ● A FLAGON EP/PR membrane. This synthetic waterproofing membrane has been developed with over 100 years of waterproofing experience. Flagon TPO membranes can achieve A+ BREEAM ratings and are an even more environmentally friendly option than PVC waterproofing membranes) PAVAROOF F and PAVAROOF P roof systems have been successfully launched in France. They will be demonstrated at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow at the end of 2021 and are being extensively tested in the UK. We are currently looking into the systems’ suitability for different projects, taking the many different parameters into account. The PAVAROOF systems work by trapping any moisture that comes up from the building in the cork layer, where it is held and then gradually released as the sun hits the roof. To check the amount of moisture the build-up can handle, we are carrying out WUFI calculations. But did you know we also offer these calculations as a service to you, to assess any moisture movement throughout your constructions? In addition, it is important to enhance the solar effect on the roof by using a dark-coloured membrane and by avoiding too much shading. Both PAVAROOF F and PAVAROOF P Roof systems have delivered excellent results in France, and will soon be formalised as systems for the UK, too. In the meantime, all individual products involved in their build-ups are readily available from SOPREMA. Because they have been made by one single company, they offer you peace of mind in terms of compatibility and warranty. Sustainable building materials Looking for more information, specifications or advice for your sustainable building project? Our experts are always happy to help.

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