Insulation Compression Strength
Compression strength can be defined as the maximum load / capacity something can withstand before it reaches 10% relative deformation. Compression is a force that pushes the particles of a material closer together. The product is generally compressed when supporting heavier objects and loads. Knowing a products compression strength is particularly important when it comes to building materials such as concrete, timber, and insulation. This is because building materials will have to withstand heavy loads such as furniture, cars and building materials and accessories such as brickwork work and appliances without damage. Damaged building materials can cause damage to the structure of the building. The higher the compression strength the better.
The compression strength of the insulation that you require will depend on where the insulation is being installed in your project. For example, an insulation board being installed in the floor will need a better compression strength than insulation being installed in the walls or on the roof as the floor will hold heavy loads for long periods of time.
See some of our insulation materials and their compression strength below:
Kay-Metzeler EPS Board
Size: 2400mm x 1200mm
Thermal Conductivity: 0.038W/mK
Material: Expanded Polystyrene
Compression Strength: (EPS70) 70kPa, (EPS100) kPa100
Kay-Metzeler EPS boards have a good compression strength and are often installed in areas that will require another layer of insulation. For example, EPS is a great product to install between rafters in the floor where another insulation materials will be installed horizontally over the top of the rafters which will provide extra thermal quality and product strength.
Celotex 100mm PIR Insulation Board – GA4100 (2400mm x 1200mm x 100mm) 2.88m2
Original price was: £39.99.£29.49Current price is: £29.49. ex VAT
100mm Isover Spacesaver Loft Insulation – 14.13m2 Isover Loft Roll
Original price was: £32.69.£28.67Current price is: £28.67. ex VAT
100mm Knauf Acoustic Roll – (2x 600mm) – 12.36m2 roll
Original price was: £59.99.£52.99Current price is: £52.99. ex VAT
100mm Recticel GP Insulation Boards (1200x2400mm) – 2.88m2
Original price was: £39.99.£29.49Current price is: £29.49. ex VATRecticel Eurothane GP insulation board
Size: 2400mm x 1200mm
Thermal Conductivity: 0.022W/mK
Material: Polyisocyanurate (PIR), Foil
Compression Strength: (25mm – 50mm) 120kPa, (60mm – 160mm) 140kPa
Recticel insulation boards have a great compression strength and are a popular choice for residential buildings for floor applications below concrete and below screed.
100mm Recticel GP Insulation Boards (1200x2400mm) – 2.88m2
Original price was: £39.99.£29.49Current price is: £29.49. ex VAT
25mm Recticel GP Insulation Boards (1200x2400mm) – 2.88m2
Original price was: £18.29.£11.40Current price is: £11.40. ex VAT50mm Recticel GP Insulation Boards (1200x2400mm) – 2.88m2
Original price was: £25.15.£17.30Current price is: £17.30. ex VAT70mm Recticel GP Insulation Boards (1200x2400mm) – 2.88m2
Original price was: £34.89.£24.09Current price is: £24.09. ex VATKingspan Greenguard
Size: 1250mm x 600mm
Thermal Conductivity: 0.034W/mK
Material: Extruded Polystyrene
Compression Strength: (GG300) 300kPa, (GG500) 500Kpa, (GG700) 700Kpa
Kingspan Greenguard is renowned for its incredible compression strength and makes a great option for insulating areas with excessive loads such as car parks, basements, and heavy-duty industrial flooring.
30mm Kingspan Greenguard GG300 1250mm x 600mm – 10.5m2 pack – 30mm GreenGuard GG300
Original price was: £71.00.£55.49Current price is: £55.49. ex VAT40mm Kingspan Greenguard GG300 1250mm x 600mm – 7.5m2 pack – 40mm GreenGuard GG300
Original price was: £63.00.£54.60Current price is: £54.60. ex VAT60mm Kingspan Greenguard GG300 1250mm x 600mm – 5.25m2 pack – 60mm GreenGuard GG300
Original price was: £66.50.£57.20Current price is: £57.20. ex VAT80mm Kingspan Greenguard GG500 600mm x 1250mm – 3.75m2 pack – 80mm GG500
Original price was: £77.05.£69.99Current price is: £69.99. ex VATCompressive strength – the point at which the load causes the insulation to yield before it reaches 10% relative deformation. Compressive stress – when the compressive strength is not reached, the point at which the load stress causes a 10% relative deformation of the insulation.
When the compressive strength is not reached, the point at which the load stress causes a 10% relative deformation of the insulation.
The higher the value of compressive strength, the higher the load on the test sample. Compression strength at 10% deformation gives information how much load must be applied so that the material’s thickness is deformed by 10%.
Materials including insulation will compress when a load is placed on them. This is one of the most important factors to consider when designing a ground floor project and specifying the insulation for it. The insulation used must be capable of accepting the applied loads with the minimum of compression.
You can’t compress mineral wool insulation because it is already compressed during the packaging process. Since it’s compressed beforehand to offer a higher R-value, it retains its R-value well under various conditions. This is another reason why it is more expensive than fiberglass and cellulose.
Yes. Mineral wool products can be installed into the floor including slabs and rolls however they are commonly installed in spaces between rafters and in timber suspended ground floors.
Please note this is a guide only and a building professional should be consulted before any building works begin in you residential or commercial property.
