The difference between tissue-faced and foil-faced thermal insulation boards is in which type of single ply membrane solution is most appropriate to be installed in contact with them, and the way in which those membranes are attached.

The type of facing also affects the overall thermal performance of the insulation board. The difference between the two is small, but enough to make a difference that is noticeable in U-value calculations. Foil facings are ‘gas tight’, giving improved long term performance and resulting in an insulation board that has a lower (and therefore better) declared thermal conductivity.

What type of waterproofing can be used with foil and tissue-faced insulation boards?

The ‘tissue face’ of a tissue-faced insulation board is, more precisely, a mineralised glass fibre fleece. Aluminium foil facings, meanwhile, are also more complex than they might sound at first, comprising a multi-layer build-up that is integral to the performance of the product.

IKO Polymeric offer both types of insulation board for use in their roofing systems. IKO enertherm MG is a tissue-faced thermal insulation, while IKO enertherm ALU is foil faced. Both can be used in mechanically fixed and bonded/adhered build-ups.

For advice on the correct specification for your project, contact IKO Polymeric technical support. Alternatively, for a price, speak to your Area Business Manager.

For more information, please contact IKO Polymeric’s technical team.