Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab

Product Overview

Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab is a high-performance acoustic insulation solution specifically designed for use in timber frame party wall constructions. This product provides excellent sound reduction between adjoining properties, helping to meet building regulations for acoustic performance while also offering thermal benefits.

Manufactured using ECOSE Technology, this slab is more sustainable and user-friendly compared to traditional glass wool insulation products. Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab is easier to cut, handle, and install, creating a more comfortable working environment for installers.

Key Features

Technical Specifications

Applications

Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab is specifically designed for use in:

• Timber frame party wall constructions between dwellings
• Semi-detached and terraced houses
• Flats and apartments with party walls
• Conversions of existing buildings to multiple dwellings
• Both new build and refurbishment projects

Installation Guidelines

For optimum performance, proper installation of Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab is essential:

• Ensure the wall cavity is clean, dry, and free of debris before installation
• Cut slabs to size using a sharp knife or insulation saw
• Install slabs between studs ensuring a tight friction fit
• Fill all voids completely to prevent air gaps that could compromise acoustic performance
• Take care around services and electrical fittings, cutting around them carefully
• Use additional pieces of insulation where needed to ensure complete coverage
• Follow manufacturer's recommendations for fixing and jointing of plasterboard
• Refer to the appropriate building regulation guidance document for specific system requirements

Performance Characteristics

Acoustic Performance

When installed in a timber frame party wall system, Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab helps achieve the required acoustic performance specified in Approved Document E (England & Wales), Technical Handbook 5 (Scotland), and Technical Booklet G (Northern Ireland). The product contributes to the overall sound insulation between dwellings, reducing the transmission of airborne noise between properties.

Thermal Performance

With a thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK, the slab provides thermal insulation benefits, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the building envelope and helping to meet or exceed thermal performance requirements of the Building Regulations.

Fire Performance

Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab is classified as Euroclass A1, the highest classification for non-combustibility. This means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire and produces very little smoke if exposed to fire.

Environmental Benefits

Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab incorporates numerous environmental benefits:

• Made with ECOSE Technology, which binds the wool fibers together using bio-based materials rather than traditional phenolic formaldehyde binders
• Contains up to 80% recycled glass content, reducing reliance on virgin materials
• Manufactured to ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standards
• Contains no added formaldehyde or artificial colors
• Contributes to lower building energy use through improved thermal efficiency
• Reduced energy consumption during the manufacturing process compared to traditional mineral wool

Sustainability Credentials

Knauf Insulation is committed to sustainable manufacturing and product development:

• Production facilities use advanced technology to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption
• Products are designed to minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle
• The company participates in the Carbon Disclosure Project and has achieved BRE Green Guide ratings for many products
• Earthwool products have been awarded the Responsible Solvents Scheme (RSS) Label
• The ECOSE binding technology uses sustainable bio-based materials derived from rapidly renewable organic resources

Building Regulation Compliance

Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab is designed to help achieve compliance with current building regulations:

• Approved Document E (Resistance to the passage of sound) in England & Wales
• Section 5 (Noise) of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations
• Technical Booklet G of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland)
• Relevant thermal requirements of Building Regulations Part L (England & Wales)
• Fire safety requirements of Building Regulations Part B

Storage and Handling

For best results, follow these storage and handling recommendations:

• Store indoors or under waterproof covering
• Stack packs on a flat, dry surface to prevent compression
• Handle with care to avoid damage to the product
• Follow normal health and safety procedures for insulation products
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment including long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection

Installation Tips

To ensure optimal performance of Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab:

• Keep the product compressed during transit and storage to maintain loft
• Allow slabs to expand fully before installation
• Use a straight edge and sharp knife for cutting to achieve clean cuts
• Apply gentle pressure to insert rather than forcing into place
• Consider the location of electrical sockets and other fixtures when planning installation
• Ensure fire barriers and cavity stops are correctly positioned as per system design
• Check that all services penetrations are properly sealed to maintain acoustic performance

Common Applications in Timber Frame Construction

Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab is commonly used in:

• Separating walls between attached dwellings
• Fire compartment walls where acoustic insulation is also required
• Walls between garages and living accommodation
• Walls separating different commercial tenancies
• Any situation where acoustic separation is required between adjoining properties

Summary

Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab offers a comprehensive solution for acoustic insulation in timber frame party wall constructions. Its combination of excellent acoustic performance, thermal efficiency, fire resistance, and environmental credentials makes it an ideal choice for specifiers and contractors looking to achieve building regulation compliance while minimizing environmental impact.

The use of ECOSE Technology makes this product more sustainable and user-friendly than traditional glass wool insulation, with reduced irritation during installation and a lower environmental footprint throughout its lifecycle.

For specifiers looking for a reliable, high-performance solution for party wall acoustic insulation in timber frame construction, Knauf Insulation Earthwool Timber Frame Party Wall Slab provides excellent acoustic reduction, thermal benefits, and fire resistance while supporting sustainable building practices.