The establishment of SANS 204 was a directive from the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) and the Department of Housing. Its purpose is to impose and regulate energy-efficient standards for residential, commercial and industrial developments.

The degree and choice of thermal Insulation as specified by SANS 204 is dependent on climate regions, construction design, orientation and location. The insulation of roofs or ceilings must achieve a specified Total R value for the relevant climate zone. These R Values range from 2.7 to 3.7(m2.K/W).

Insulation in walls must achieve a Total R-Value of between 1.9 and 2.2, also dependent on climate zone. Insulation standards for geysers and pipes are also covered in SANS 204.

 “Thermal insulation should be seen as an essential component in the design, specifying and building of all property types irrespective of legislation,” says André Swart, General Manager of Brits Nonwoven, manufacturer of ISOTHERM Thermal Insulation.  “It is poor practice for industry professionals to not already be using SANS 204.”

ISOTHERM Thermal Insulation and its insulation derivatives ISOFOIL Composite Thermal Insulation and ACOUSTISORB Sound Insulation are manufactured to the highest standards by South Africa-based Brits Nonwoven. Founded in 1968, Brits Nonwoven is the largest specialist nonwoven producer in South Africa has new and upgraded production facilities in Gauteng, KZN and the Western Cape.

ISOTHERM is a  lightweight, compressible, but resilient recycled insulation material, manufactured exclusively from thermally-bonded 100% polyester derived from the polymer of recycled PET and is in itself  100% recyclable thus making it a 360 degree  renewable source.

Current ISOTHERM production effectively removes around 80 million PET bottles from waste heaps each year and recycles them into practical and effective products adding value to residential, commercial and industrial property.

The soft texture of ISOTHERM insulation makes rolling out and cutting it to the desired size a simple task, adding to its ease of use. The presence of no loose fibres means it is easy and safe to handle; it is a non-allergenic, non-irritant substrate whose resilience is industry renowned. ISOTHERM is non-toxic and has no chemical additives, no odour or emissions of volatile organic compounds.

Tested at the CSIR in normal over-ceiling installation, the spread of flame was pronounced “negligible”, and as it is composed of polyester, the relatively high melting point gives Isotherm good thermal stability. Added to this, ISOTHERM is also resistant to condensation and associated fungi and bacteria.

“Thermal insulation is to play a vital part in the future of the building industry in South Africa and people-friendly and eco-friendly ISOTHERM is inherently the perfect green partner to all building types,” concludes André Swart.