Find the Right Insulation Core for Your Project
The insulation core is the material between a panel’s outer and inner facings. It contributes to the panel’s thermal performance and can influence its fire and acoustic characteristics.
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The right choice depends on the building’s use, the required performance and the selected panel system. Expalum UK can help you explore the options and identify the technical information needed for your specification.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Insulation
Start with the performance your building needs, then compare the available panel systems and their supporting technical information.
Thermal Performance
Overall thermal performance depends on the full panel build-up and thickness, not the core alone.
Fire Performance
Consider the required U-value and how the selected core and panel thickness contribute to the building’s insulation requirements.
Acoustic Requirements
Where noise control matters, review the panel’s tested sound insulation or sound absorption performance.
Moisture & Operating Conditions
Consider humidity, internal temperatures and exposure when selecting the panel, joints and finishes.
Panel Design & Installation
Review panel thickness, weight, support spacing and fixing requirements alongside the insulation choice.
Technical Documentation
Use the relevant datasheets and supporting documents to confirm the proposed panel specification.
Thermal Performance
Overall thermal performance depends on the full panel build-up and thickness, not the core alone.
Thermal Performance
Overall thermal performance depends on the full panel build-up and thickness, not the core alone.
Thermal Performance
Overall thermal performance depends on the full panel build-up and thickness, not the core alone.
Available Core Types
EPS
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight core option used in selected NAV System panel configurations where appropriate.
Typical Use
Suitability should be assessed against thermal, fire and moisture requirements for the specific project.
PIR / PUR
Polyisocyanurate (PIR/PUR) cores are used in NAV System panels where higher thermal performance is required within the range of available options.
Typical Use
Selection should consider thermal targets, fire strategy and detailing for the building type.
PIR Supreme
PIR Supreme is a higher-grade PIR option within the NAV System range, offering enhanced thermal performance compared with standard PIR panels.
Typical Use
Typically considered where tighter energy performance objectives are being pursued, subject to project design and specification.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool cores use non-combustible fibres to support fire and acoustic strategies in appropriate NAV System panel types.
Typical Use
Often selected where fire and acoustic performance are key drivers, subject to detailed design and specification.
Glass Wool
Glass wool cores provide a lightweight fibrous option within the NAV System range for selected panel types.
Typical Use
Used where a balance of thermal, fire and acoustic considerations is required, subject to project-specific assessment.
Thermal Needs
Balance U-value targets against budget and building volume requirements.
Acoustic Needs
Evaluate internal noise generation and absorption requirements for specific settings.
Specifier Guidance
Key factors to evaluate when selecting a NAV System panel core include thermal performance, fire strategy, acoustic behaviour, moisture exposure and overall project requirements. Thermal and acoustic values depend on the full panel build-up and thickness, and core availability varies by panel type.
Fire Strategy
Consult project-specific fire safety requirements for non-combustible core needs.
Moisture Exposure
Consider environmental conditions and the potential for moisture contact within panels.