Thermguard is a cellulose fibre insulation that is manufactured primarily from waste newsprint and treated with a mixture of inorganic salts to render it fire resistant as well as a repellent to insects and rodents. The insulation is ideally suited to all domestic, commercial and industrial applications where loose-fill insulation is appropriate.
Thermguard is blown onto the ceiling, filling every nook and cranny and creating a totally seamless blanket, thereby ensuring no heat gains and losses can occur. Tests undertaken in the U.S.A. proved that cellulose creates “airtightness” of a building and that when installed performed, on average, up to 26% more efficiently when compared to rolls of insulation.
The fact that Thermguard is made from more than 80% recycled material makes it the most eco-friendly, thermal and acoustic insulation in South Africa. Our fibres are treated with non-toxic additives to make them fire retardant to SANS B/B1/2 specifications as well as insect and rodent resistance. Thermguard is non-toxic and non-irritant and can be handled safely without gloves, as it does not contain asbestos or fibreglass. Professional and DIY installation options are available.
The construction industry is looking for solutions to the challenges presented by ecologically sustainable development and, more recently, load shedding and recovering from the Coronavirus pandemic. Thermguard is one such solution.
Features
· 80-85% recycled content – more than any other form of insulation
· Low energy manufacturing process – no heat or water is used during manufacture
· SABS approved and ISO 9001 certified
· Lowest embodied energy of all types of insulation available in South Africa
· 100% cover – leaving no gaps for air and sound to travel through
· Excellent thermal performance – superior to all rolled insulation in real-world tests
· Superior sound insulation properties – higher density means greater sound absorption
· Additional reflective foils are unnecessary to meet the required R-values
· Fire retardant to SANS 428 – does not support flame spread
· Non-toxic and non-irritant, and can be handled safely by hand
· Insect and rodent repellent – a passive form of pest control
· No colourants or dyes are used
· 100% biodegradable and will not negatively affect ecosystems or wildlife
Benefits
· Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through diverting waste newspaper from landfills
· Improved comfort through a passive method of temperature control
· Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the energy demand of the home
· Financial and energy savings – more money in your pocket and less load on Eskom
· No secondary market – no risk of the insulation being removed to be used in blankets or clothing
· Lifetime guarantee – will last the life of the building under normal conditions
Specifications
Insulation R-VALUE
Thickness Thermal Resistance
100mm 2.50
115mm 2.88
135mm 3.38
If THERMGUARD is made from recycled newsprint, surely it will burn?
THERMGUARD is treated with a number of fire retardant additives and thus it will not burn. It is fire-tested under SANS 428 and is classified B/B1/2. The additives will last the lifetime of the building.
Will THERMGUARD reduce electricity consumption in my house?
THERMGUARD will drastically reduce your electricity bills for heating and cooling your home. Depending on the design of your home, it is estimated that the insulation will pay for itself within 2-3 years.
How long will it take to install?
An average home takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
How does THERMGUARD compare with insulation rolls?
When fitted above the ceiling THERMGUARD fills every nook and cranny creating a totally seamless blanket, giving 100% cover. Tests undertaken in the U.S.A. proved that cellulose creates “airtightness” of a building and that when installed, performed on average up to 26% more efficiently, and up to 38% in extreme climates rather than rolls of insulation.
Will THERMGUARD make our home noticeably cooler?
Depending on the method of construction used, e.g. large or smaller windows, concrete roof tiles or metal roofing sheets, the average temperature difference between inside and outside the home is usually in the region of ± 6°C.
What will happen if the insulation gets wet?
THERMGUARD is manufactured from recycled newsprint which is fairly absorbent. However small drip leaks will not harm the insulation or the ceiling as they will be absorbed by the insulation. The next day when the roof space heats up, the moisture will evaporate out of the product, thus THERMGUARD is known as the “breathing insulation”. Obviously, roof leaks should be repaired. In the event of a major infusion of water, such as a burst geyser, the insulation will be damaged. This occurrence would be covered under normal household insurance and can be repaired by a THERMGUARD contractor whilst the geyser is being attended to.
Are THERMGUARD insect and rodent resistant?
The harmless household additives ensure that THERMGUARD is insect and rodent-free. We have had reports from farmers where THERMGUARD has alleviated rat infestations.
Will THERMGUARD aggravate my family’s allergies?
No, THERMGUARD is non-allergenic and non-toxic.
Can THERMGUARD insulate flat roofs?
Flat roofs are a THERMGUARDs speciality. In fact, many installers of insulation rolls pass enquiries onto us. The reason for this is that THERMGUARD can be installed in the majority of flat roofs without removing the roof sheets completely. The roof sheets can merely be partly lifted, the insulation blown in underneath and then the sheets refitted.
Is the insulation process dusty?
While THERMGUARD is being blown into the roof space a small amount of dust may come down through the trapdoor and from other sources, such as ill-fitting cornices. However, after installation, the team on site will vacuum up this dust and the dust created in the roof space settles very quickly.
Downlights – Are these a problem?
No – THERMGUARD contractors fit protective sleeves above downlights isolating them from the insulation. The correct treatment of downlights is an important part of our professional installation service.
What about exposed wiring in the roof space?
No damage will be done to any wires found in the roof as THERMGUARD is noncorrosive. Because THERMGUARD is loose-fill insulation, the wiring can easily be traced should maintenance be required.
How does THERMGUARD control sound?
THERMGUARD is 4 times as dense as fibreglass and thus deadens sound significantly. If you live near a highway or airport the noise level in your home will be greatly reduced.
Does THERMGUARD settle over a long time period?
Cellulose Fibre will settle slightly over time. However, thickness and R Values are calculated at settled densities and thus this is not a concern.