Wood Fibre Insulation

The Complete Guide to Wood Fibre Insulation in the UK

Wood fibre insulation represents a sustainable and high-performance solution for UK buildings, combining superior thermal efficiency with exceptional environmental credentials. This natural insulation material offers comprehensive protection against heat, cold, and noise while contributing to healthier living spaces.

What is Wood Fibre Insulation?

Wood fibre insulation is a natural insulation material made from sustainable wood sources. It is widely used for wall insulation, external wall insulation (EWI), floor constructions, and roof applications. Known for its breathability and thermal insulation properties, wood fibre insulation helps to create a healthier and more energy-efficient living environment.

Thermal Performance

• Summer Heat Protection – Wood fibre insulation's high density provides remarkable heat storage capacity, reducing indoor temperature peaks by 25-33% during hot weather. The material buffers heat during the day and releases it during cooler evening hours, naturally regulating indoor temperatures without air conditioning.

• Winter Efficiency – The porous structure effectively traps air, creating excellent thermal resistance. With thermal conductivity values as low as 0.036 W/mK, wood fibre insulation maintains comfortable indoor temperatures throughout colder months.

Environmental Benefits

• Carbon Storage – Wood fibre insulation actively contributes to carbon reduction by:

  • Locking away atmospheric CO2 absorbed during tree growth.

  • A typical roof installation stores over 3 tonnes of CO2.

  • Using waste wood from sawmills, promoting circular economy practices.

• Sustainable Manufacturing – The production process emphasises environmental responsibility by using:

  • Renewable raw materials.

  • Minimal chemical additives.

  • PEFC-certified sustainable forestry practices.

Key Benefits of Wood Fibre Insulation

• Sustainability – Made from renewable and eco-friendly materials, wood fibre insulation reduces environmental impact compared to synthetic insulation products.

• Breathability – The breathable nature of wood fibre insulation helps with moisture management, preventing mould and condensation.

• Acoustic Insulation – Wood fibre materials provide excellent sound insulation, contributing to quieter indoor spaces.

• Fire Protection – Wood fibre insulation products, such as Steico Protect Dry, slow the spread of fire while producing minimal smoke and toxic gases.

• Healthy Indoor Environment – Wood fibre insulation improves indoor air quality, promoting a healthy home with fewer harmful emissions compared to petrochemical alternatives.

Applications of Wood Fibre Insulation

• Wall Systems – Wood fibre boards are commonly used for:

  • Internal wall insulation.

  • External wall insulation (EWI).

  • Cavity fill solutions.

  • Timber frame construction.

• Roof Applications – Steico sarking boards provide additional insulation and protection for roofs, reducing the risk of overheating.

• Floor Constructions – Wood fibre batt insulation is used in floor applications, providing both thermal and acoustic benefits.

• Retrofit Projects – Wood fibre insulation is ideal for retrofit applications, helping to improve the energy efficiency of older buildings.

Technical Properties

• Moisture Management – Wood fibre's hygroscopic properties allow it to:

  • Absorb and release moisture naturally.

  • Prevent condensation.

  • Maintain healthy indoor air quality.

• Fire Performance – Unlike synthetic alternatives, wood fibre insulation:

  • Burns slowly with minimal smoke.

  • Does not produce toxic gases.

  • Maintains structural integrity during fire exposure.

Installation Considerations

• Proper Moisture Protection – Ensure moisture protection during installation.

• Fixing Methods – Use appropriate fixing methods for securing boards.

• Joint Sealing – Correct joint sealing enhances insulation performance.

• Ventilation – Adequate ventilation must be provided to ensure the insulation's longevity.

Leading Wood Fibre Insulation Products

• Steico Wood Fibre Insulation – A leading manufacturer offering a wide range of wood fibre insulation materials for walls, floors, and roofs. Steico Protect Dry and Steico IBR are popular for external wall insulation.

• Pavatex – Known for its high-performance wood fibre insulation boards that provide thermal and acoustic benefits.

• Hemspan – Offers natural insulation solutions that are PEFC-certified, ensuring responsible forest management.

How to Install Wood Fibre Insulation

1. Measure and Cut – Boards can be easily cut to size to fit the desired area.

2. Install Boards or Batts – Fit wood fibre insulation between studs, rafters, or floor joists.

3. Seal Gaps – Ensure all joints are sealed to enhance thermal performance and prevent air leakage.

4. Finish – Apply plasterboard or external cladding over the insulation for a complete finish.

Why Choose Steico Wood Fibre Insulation?

• Wide Range of Applications – Steico products are suitable for both internal and external insulation, providing comprehensive solutions for different construction needs.

• High-Performance Insulation – Steico wood fibre insulating materials offer superior thermal and acoustic performance.

• Environmentally Friendly – Steico insulation is manufactured from sustainable wood sources, reducing reliance on petrochemical products.

• Certifications – Steico products are PEFC and ISO-certified, ensuring high quality and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

Wood fibre insulation continues to gain popularity in UK construction, offering a future-proof solution that combines performance with sustainability. Its ability to create comfortable, healthy living spaces while supporting environmental goals makes it an increasingly attractive choice for both new builds and renovations. By choosing Steico wood fibre insulation and other eco-friendly insulation products, homeowners and builders can significantly enhance the energy efficiency and overall performance of their properties.