TRADA has worked with cellulose insulation manufacturer Excel Industries to further develop the latter’s Warmcel product using a proportion of MDF fibre.
The hybrid product has already been trialled in the construction of a house in Falmouth and, according to TRADA, the addition of MDF fibre to the cellulose has the advantage of reducing fill density and increasing stability without comprising thermal performance.
TRADA said combining the materials opens up opportunities for off-site manufacturers, as combining materials poses a lower risk of settlement as a result of handling, transport and on-site assembly.
Both the MDF-enhanced version of Warmcel and the original product were used in Phil Wilkinson’s house in Falmouth, built by Optimal Construction.
Standard Warmcel was blown into 300mm deep external walls on the first and second floors, while the new formulation was blown into ground floor walls.
TRADA said the project achieved an air permeability performance more than 12 times better than Part L minimum requirements, while a thermogaphic survey showed the insulation had been installed consistently in the walls and the house was very thermally efficient.
