A development that expands the portfolio in the energy-efficient renovation segment: ISOVER (Saint-Gobain) has launched two new mineral wool blown-in insulation materials under the names Topdec and Integra. The products are specifically designed for retrofitting insulation measures in cavities, top floor ceilings, and hard-to-reach roof slopes – a segment that is gaining increasing relevance in light of GEG requirements and rising renovation rates.
Unlike conventional insulation materials in board or roll form, the blowing-in technique enables seamless application even in complex constructions. ISOVER's new mineral wool variant thus competes directly with established cellulose-based blown-in insulators or glass wool granules, which have been established in the renovation market for years. In addition to the lambda value (λ), criteria such as settlement behavior, dust development during processing, and fire protection classification will be decisive for acceptance.
Mineral wool offers an advantage over cellulose in the non-combustible classification in fire class A1 according to DIN EN 13501-1, which is particularly relevant for multi-story existing buildings with high fire safety requirements. The thermal conductivity should, as is customary for mineral blown-in insulators, be in the range of λ = 0.035 to 0.040 W/(m·K) – concrete product data sheets with bulk density and U-value calculations had not yet been published at the time of market launch. Planners should pay particular attention to the required blowing-in density to avoid later settlement and thus thermal bridges.
The market launch takes place against the backdrop of a structural challenge in the insulation material market. As was evident from the recent closure of glass wool production in Bergisch Gladbach, the industry is struggling with overcapacity in the new construction segment. The strategic realignment toward renovation products such as blown-in insulation appears to be a logical consequence in this context. The energy-efficient renovation segment is growing continuously, driven by regulatory requirements and funding programs.
For practical use, careful coordination with executing specialized contractors is recommended, as the blowing-in technique requires both special equipment and experience in dosing and compaction. The availability of EPD data (Environmental Product Declarations) will be crucial to objectively assess the sustainability performance of the new products compared to competing materials – an aspect that ISOVER has recently put into focus.
