SIG Performance Technology, the specialist provider of acoustic, fire and thermal solutions, has launched the ‘Chi-Gasket’, a new component for through-wall rainscreen construction which has been developed to support the streamlining of external wall footprints whilst facilitating Building Regulation compliance. Designed for use in all buildings including those with habitation over 18 metres from ground level, the Chi-Gasket delivers enhanced thermal performance in the through-wall construction and offers specific advantages for meeting the standards of Approved Document Part B (England & Wales) and Section 2 (Scotland).
Developed for use with the Nvelope rainscreen support systems, as a component part the Chi-Gasket is simply attached to standard bracketry on-site as part of the installation process. From Approved Document Part L & Section 6 (Scotland) perspective, this helps compliance as it reduces the thermal bridging and so helps prevent the bracket from transferring heat out of the building.
Improvements from the default bracket Chi Value of 0.020 W/K are typically lower than 0.0096 W/K using the Chi-Gasket. In achieving this, the thickness of external insulation can be reduced but still deliver the same overall U-Value of the through-wall build-up. Moreover, when using the Chi Gasket a non-combustible insulation can be introduced usually within the same footprint satisfying the guidance given within BCA Technical Guidance Note 18, BR135 and more recently CWCT TN98 fire performance of facades.
Wayne Smith, Business Development Director for the newly formed SIG Performance Technology – Fire & Thermal division, comments: “The Chi-Gasket has been developed to facilitate a holistic envelope approach to building design. While as a bracketry component it might seem a small part of the through-wall construction, in reality the improvement which can be realised to the thermal performance is significant. From a thermal perspective, use of the Chi-Gasket specifically affords the opportunity to gain benefits in both SBEM and SAP as it makes a tangible contribution to the overall fabric improvement. As such, we’re encouraging specifiers to consider the Chi-Gasket as early on in the design process as possible.”
Working in partnership with Nvelope Rainscreen Systems, SIG Performance Technology can assist specifiers in through-wall rainscreen construction using Nvelope’s ‘Project Builder’, an innovative technology platform which calculates the rainscreen configuration parameters and bracket types. By using the Project Builder system, specifiers can easily identify the most appropriate design to meet building performance requirements whilst simultaneously balancing design and budget targets.
Covered by International Patent App. WO 2016/207658, the Chi-Gasket has achieved LABC Warranty and Premier Guarantee approval and has been shown to meet Sections 11 & 12 of CWCT Standards. Thermal conductivity values have been UKAS accredited while its Hygrothermal Performance meets ETAG 004 2013.