STEICO: Waterproof insulation materials for sustainable and safe construction

Wood fiber insulation is considered ecologically sound, but often raises questions about moisture protection. At Heim und Handwerk 2022 in Munich, Steico will be explaining how wood fiber insulation materials are designed to cope with moisture without losing their function.

Dealing with moisture in wood fiber insulation

Insulation materials on the building envelope must be protected from rain and moisture. At the same time, trapped moisture must not remain permanently in the component. This is precisely where the functional principle of wood fiber insulation comes in, which will be explained at the trade fair.

• Protection from penetrating rainwater
• Open diffusion structure
• Controlled moisture release to the outside

Hydrophobization as the technical key

The wood fiber insulation boards are hydrophobized. Kerosene is incorporated into the insulating material, giving the surface a water-repellent effect. Water runs off and does not penetrate the fiber structure. This treatment makes the insulation boards insensitive to short-term moisture, which can occur during the construction phase or in driving rain.

• Paraffin as a water-repellent component
• Protects the wood fibers from moisture penetration
• Maintains the insulating effect even in damp conditions

Rain protection without an additional water-bearing layer

At the trade fair, it will be demonstrated that the hydrophobized wood fibre insulation boards can be used as a rainproof layer. In certain constructions, no additional second water-bearing layer is required. The insulation board provides rain protection during the construction phase and during subsequent operation.

• Insulation board as a rainproof layer
• Simplified wall or roof construction
• Reduction of additional materials

Open to diffusion despite water repellency

Despite the hydrophobic coating, the wood fiber insulation remains open to diffusion. This means that water vapor can be released from the inside of the building to the outside. This property is crucial for long-term moisture protection and a balanced indoor climate.

• Moisture release via water vapor diffusion
• No inclusion of building or living moisture
• Support of a healthy wall structure

Areas of application in modern timber construction

At Heim+Handwerk, it is clear that waterproof wood fiber insulation boards are primarily used in timber construction and renovations. They are suitable for wall, roof and façade constructions where ecological materials and physical safety are equally important.

• Timber frame and solid timber constructions
• Roof and façade constructions
• Refurbishments and new buildings

Safety and sustainability combined

At Heim+Handwerk, Steico will be demonstrating that ecological insulation materials and reliable moisture protection are not mutually exclusive. Thanks to their hydrophobic coating, diffusion-open structure and rainproof properties, wood fiber insulation boards offer a sustainable solution for permanently secure building envelopes.