Vaccum insulation panels are to be treated carefually in general. In the further processing of the products va-Q-vip B and va-Q-plus B, the following points must be noted in particular:
va-Q-vip B and va-Q-plus B are highly efficient thermal insulation materials. The extremely good insulation effect is based essentially on the suppression of the thermal conduction of the air inside the panels due to evacuation. va-Q-vip B has general building material approval under the number Z-23.11-1658. The core itself is non-combustible (Fire class A1). The wrapping of black glass fabric is normally inflammable according to construction materials class DIN 4102-B2. va-Q-plus B is still in the process of approval. Building approval of va-Q-plus B may need to be applied for in individual cases.
General fitting and building application instruction
- The vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) must not be mechanically damaged. Sawing, drilling and scratching in particular must be avoided.
- The underground to which the VIPs are applied must be smooth, flat and free of edges and burrs.
- The VIPs must not be exposed to high temperatures, high humidity levels and/or aggressive gases during storage or application. Persistent humidity levels above 60% relative humidity and temperatures above 50 °C in particular should be avoided.
- Please note that thermal bridges occur to a much greater extent in VIP constructions than in constructions using conventional insulation materials. Since humidity in particular can condense at cold spot, corresponding vapour barriers must be used in constructions with VIPs. Also the vapour barriers prevent condensing humidity on the panel.
- During installation and use of VIPs, they must not be subjected to any, or if unavoidable only minor mechanical stresses. Point loads and persistent vibration or tension to the wrapping must be avoided.
- In constructions with VIPs, care must be taken to ensure that they are subjected only to even, full-surface pressure loading.
- The VIPs must be protected against tensile and shear forces.
- This can be achieved for example by ensuring that the structural strength in a construction using VIPs is provided by other measures, and the VIPs carry out only the thermal insulation function.
- Adhesive fixing of the VIPs can be carried out using 2-components polyurethane adhesive or hot-melt. Foaming with polyurethane foams is also possible. In all cases, care must be taken to ensure that the temperatures occurring during these processes do not exceed 100 °C. A test is advisable, and required, in individual cases.
- It must be ensured that persons working with VIPs are adequately trained in advance. Fitting and working instructions in particular should be explained with regard to the individual application.
- The insulation construction must be designed so that the ventilation of individual VIPs does not lead to technical problems with the complete system.
- The VIPs must also be adequately protected against damage during the usage phase, e.g. by fitting of an outer shell.
- When installing in floor systems, avoid walking on the unprotected VIP.
