THERMAL INSULATION

The measure of the insulating power is the thermal conductivity λ. The lower it is, the better the heat-insulating properties of a given material will be.

In the case of cellular concrete, the value of the λ factor is primarily dependant on the volumetric density. Cellular concrete of lower density by volume, which at the same time means lower weight by volume, possesses a better (lower) thermal conductivity λ. The results yielded by research on the λ factor are not identical, however, for each producer. The SOLBET blocks are characterized by excellent thermal conductivity; the table below presents the results:

Another, widely used, factor results directly from thermal conductivity λ, it is the so-called overall heat-transfer coefficient U, the value of which refers to the breadth of a material under examination.

As far as single-family housing is concerned, the value of the overall heat-transfer coefficient should not exceed 0.30 (W/m²K).

Single-layer wall based on the SOLBET system is characterized by an overall heat-transfer coefficient U at the level of 0.27 (W/m²K) with the wall breadth at 360 mm. For comparison, the value of U coefficient close to this one for a pore brick wall is obtained only with the breadth of material no smaller than 500 mm.

Apart from the properties of the material itself, thermal insulation depends moreover on the way in which a wall is erected. Homogenous thermel image of walls made of SOLBET blocks (no heat leakage bridges) can be obtained thanks to a one-milimetre joint made using SOLBET Adhesive Mortar for Thin Joints. Using tongue and groove blocks additionally reduces coast as it eliminates the vertical joint.